POLICE in Derry are asking the public to keep an out for elderly people to help prevent them getting scammed by workmen.
Elderly parents, neighbours and vulnerable people are targets for conmen looking to con them out of money for carried out at their properties.
PSNI Foyle say on its Facebook page: “Has there be recent work done around your elderly parents property? have you or your parents organised this work to be done from a reputable builder / contractor?
“How was contact made and do they have a written estimate for all work to be carried out?
“There are people out there who prey on the vulnerable, come in with a low price ,which people think is a good deal, only to find the price is excessively hiked at the end and use threatening tactics to extract money from those who are elderly or live alone.
“If you see your neighbour having work done or notice work at your parents home, ask questions.
“Find out how that contact was made. Do they need this work done in the first instance.
“Be suspicious and above all keep those who are vulnerable safe from these cold callers.
“Remember to contact 101 should you see anything suspicious or 999 if you believe it to be an emergency.”
