Residents are warned to be vigilant following an arrest in connection with suspected rogue trading in Nottinghamshire.
The victim, a man aged in his 80s, was deceived into handing over his bank card and PIN after a group of men turned up at his address and asked if he needed any work doing to his house.
He said ‘no’ but, regardless of this, they got some ladders out, climbed onto his roof and told him that it needed fixing.
They initially told him the work would cost £30, but he was then told it would be £10,000 to fix his roof.
One of the men told the victim they could be paid if he gave them his bank card and PIN, and they would withdraw daily amounts.
The victim, who said he was prevented from calling his daughter about it, gave them his card and PIN.
The incident happened on Friday 13 February. The victim later told his daughter what had happened.
His bank card was fraudulently used to withdraw cash on a daily basis, with more than £4,000 taken out before his card was cancelled.
No work was carried out.
Police have been carrying out enquiries into the incident, including checking CCTV footage. They also visited the victim, giving him advice to prevent further fraud, as well as contact details if he needed any help in the future.
Following their enquiries, officers arrested a 23-year-old man on Saturday (6 June) on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
He was additionally arrested on suspicion of a car key burglary committed in Gringley-on-the-Hill, Bassetlaw, between 29 and 30 January.
He was subsequently released on conditional bail. Investigations remain ongoing.
PC Daniel Gray, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Crimes like these can have a huge impact on victims, and that is why we robustly investigate reports.
“I’d remind people to always be cautious if somebody knocks at your door unexpectedly and offers to carry out repairs, and only agree to any work if you are confident it is needed and that you can trust the person who is carrying it out.
“Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into agreeing to have work carried out. If you ask them to leave and they don’t, contact the police.
“Never hand over your bank card, and if a suspicious person refuses to leave, tries to force entry, or if you feel threatened or in danger, then call 999 immediately.
“If you believe you, a member of your family, or a neighbour have been targeted by a rogue trader, then please report it to us as soon as possible so we can take action to protect other people from financial harm.”
