Fake Builder Scammers Target Elderly Couple in Pleydell Road
An elderly couple in their 80s were duped out of thousands by rogue traders claiming their roof needed emergency repairs. The pair were approached on their driveway last December by a man posing as a builder. Over several days, shoddy work was done – each time demanding big money.
Shoddy Work, Big Bills, and a Suspicious Van
The scammers, believed to be five men, arrived in a white Vauxhall Combo van sporting a blue roof rack, orange beacon, and ladder. They pressured the couple into handing over thousands for substandard repairs.
PC Catrina Palmer warned: “We believe the men have been scoping the area and approaching potentially vulnerable residents, claiming to be from a building company. They provide a fake website address and offer to carry out work before charging large sums of money.”
Police Urge Caution as Rogue Traders Prowl
PC Palmer added: “Rogue traders use high-pressure tactics to exploit vulnerable people, pushing unnecessary jobs for huge fees. Stay alert and if you’re suspicious, call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
The police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with info or who thinks they’ve been targeted should contact PC Palmer or PC Gatter on 101 quoting crime reference number 54210126610.
