Fraudsters target elderly woman

The incident happened in the Mount Pleasant area of Jordanstown on November 2, but details were only made public by the PSNI this week.

The woman reported that two males had called at her door offering to clean her driveway. They asked for the money up front and left the property with a sum of cash, promising to return in 30 minutes. They did not return and the work was never carried out.

Officers investigating the fraud have urged anyone with information to contact them at Newtownabbey Station on 0845 600 8000.

Police are also advising householders against engaging the services of unsolicited callers, particularly those who demand payment up front.

“Many of these type of workmen are bogus and many have no intention of carrying out any works,” a spokesperson commented.

“If you are unsure about a caller to your home or if a caller is putting undue pressure on you to engage their services or part with cash, local police should be contacted immediately.”

Householders can also call the 24-hour QuickCheck line free on 0800 013 22 90 to verify that callers are legitimate.