Ramsgate man in his 80s conned out of £2,500 by fake workman

Rogue traders warning

Detectives are investigating a deception theft from a man in his 80s in Thanet.

The elderly resident in Vale Square, Ramsgate, who was having maintenance work carried out on his home, reported he was visited by a man claiming to be from the contractor at around 1pm last Friday (November 15).

Shortly after the visit, the victim reported that he received a phone call from a person who insisted he would need to pay more than £2,500 in cash or the work would stop.

The victim agreed and it was collected by the man who had visited him earlier.

The deception theft was only realised when the victim called the company and it was confirmed they had not asked for any cash payment.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his mid-20s, with a heavy build. He was clean-shaven, had mousey brown hair and wore a pale green short-sleeved t-shirt with a collar. On his second visit he was wearing a cap and a black hooded anorak.

Officers are appealing for anyone who might have seen the man in the area on November 15 between midday and 2pm.

Investigating officer DC Matt Poore of Kent Police has also reminded residents to take steps to check doorstep callers are genuine.

He said: “We are asking people to confirm the identity of anyone who calls at your home or phones you.

“In this case, it was clear the victim was having work carried out on his home so we believe he may have been targeted for this theft.

“If you are phoned unexpectedly, always check the details of the caller and if in any doubt, don’t feel pressured to agree to sudden demands for cash but offer to call them back once you have had time to look into what they are asking.”

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/220286/19.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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