Enquiries are continuing after two bogus workmen targeted an elderly female, conning her into handing over a three-figure sum for remedial work.
The incident happened in the Assynt Bank area at around noon on Wednesday December 17th. Two men called at the home of an elderly female occupier and arranged to carry out maintenance work on her roof. They then returned around 10am the next day at which time the victim paid a three figure sum for a small amount of work. The suspects then offered further work for a vastly inflated price and asked the woman to attend at the bank to obtain more cash. Staff at the bank became suspicious and raised their concerns with the woman, who thereafter declined any further work on her home and refused to hand over any more money.
Both suspects are described as white and around six feet tall. One is in his late twenties, of thin build with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket with writing on it possibly relating to a roofing company. The other suspect is in his mid-forties of medium build with short grey hair, wearing a high visibility jacket. They were using a white van, possibly a Ford Transit.
Police Scotland said:
This is a despicable crime targeting an elderly person who has been left distressed by the incident and we would like anyone who has information to come forward.
Remember – please do not accept any offers of work on your home from unsolicited callers. If you do require any maintenance or repairs use a trusted company or individual. If you are cold-called and are not entirely satisfied with the authenticity of the individual at your door, do not allow them entry and do not provide any personal information or hand over any money. Should they persist, then contact police immediately.
Anyone with information relating to this incident is requested to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.