Bogus 'Fife Council' workers scam hundreds from 84-year-old woman
The pair claimed they needed to carry out maintenance work
Two bogus workmen pretending to be workers for Fife Council scammed an elderly woman out of hundreds of pounds in her home.
Police in Fife say they are investigating the bogus workmen incident in the Leven area.
The 84-year-old woman was visited at her home in Lower Largo by two men claiming to be from Fife Council around 9am on Wednesday 24th July.
The pair were allowed into the pensioners home after they persuaded her that they were there do carry out maintenance work inside.
The two men made off with a three-figure sum of cash after asking the elderly woman for payment for the work, which they had not actually carried out.
A short time later the victim realised that money had been stolen from her bedroom and contacted police.
Sergeant Craig Fyall, from Levenmouth Police Station said: "The suspects did not carry out any work at the property, but were able to get the victim to pay them. Then, to add further insult they robbed her of further cash.
"This is a despicable crime, which preyed on an elderly woman and left her deeply upset. Perpetrators of these types of scams are highly manipulative, very convincing and will attempt to take advantage of people’s fears and vulnerabilities.
"These people often target the elderly and vulnerable so please advise any friends, neighbours or relatives to be wary of these types of callers.
"If members of the community within Lower Largo have any information than can help us trace those responsible for this incident, then please come forward."
Anyone with information can contact Levenmouth Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 1367 of the 24th July. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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