A pensioner has been conned out of £700 by two bogus workmen after they targeted her Lowestoft home.The woman, aged in her 60s, handed over the cash after being driven into the town centre by the men, who had offered to fit carpets at a reduced price.
A pensioner has been conned out of £700 by two bogus workmen after they targeted her Lowestoft home.
The woman, aged in her 60s, handed over the cash after being driven into the town centre by the men, who had offered to fit carpets at a reduced price.
Last night, police and trading standards urged people to be on their guard against doorstep fraudsters and carry out a number of checks before agreeing to pay for work.
Suffolk police spokesman Anne-Marie Breach said: “If possible, please get quotes from several reliable companies before agreeing to have any work done.”
The woman, who lives in Morton Road, was confronted by one of the suspects at her front door at 10am on Tuesday. He said he was a contractor who had flooring left over from another job and offered to fit carpets for a cut-price fee.
The victim, who has not been named, showed interest and the man returned with an accomplice and asked to be paid in cash rather than by cheque. They drove the woman to the town centre and parked their van in Bevan Street while she took out the money.
They drove back to the woman's home and brought in rolls of flooring, saying they would return to fit them. They left with the money and have not been seen since.
Joanna Spicer, portfolio holder for public protection at Suffolk County Council, said: “People must be vigilant because you have no idea how trustworthy people are when you open your door to them. You must challenge people and ask for identification. If in doubt, shut the door and call a relative or neighbour. If you think someone
is trying to fiddle you, ring 999.”
The suspects are described as aged in their 50s or 60s, white, one about 5ft 8ins tall and the other about 6ft. The shorter man was of heavy build, with short receding grey/brown hair and was wearing jeans and a pale T-shirt.
His companion was of average build, with short balding grey hair and wearing a white polo shirt.
Information to Lowestoft police via 01986 835100.
Anyone concerned by offers of doorstep trade can call Consumer Direct on 0845 40 40 506.
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