[P]olice in Barrow are warning people against rogue traders following an incident in the town earlier this week.
A report was made to police that three white males attended an address on Rydal Avenue, claiming the occupant owed them £5,000 for building work that they purported they had carried out. They attempted to get the man to a cash machine, but he refused.
The offenders agreed to decrease the price to £400 and the victim gave them a cheque to ensure they left. The cheque has since been cancelled.
They also followed the male into the property, and were described as persistent in their approach. They were seen to leave in a grey saloon car.
DC Andrew MacFarlane said: “We are sending out a strong warning to locals about this sort of activity, and are also appealing for information that could help us with our investigation.
“It is often the elderly and vulnerable that are targeted by these fraudsters, who will frequently try to take the victim to a bank or cash machine while they are completely unaware that they are falling victim to a scam.
“If you or someone you know finds themselves in such a situation and have any doubt, call police to attend. If no suspects are at the scene, Trading Standards should be contacted.
“Please be vigilant in your neighbourhood for potential rogue traders operating, and encourage elderly or vulnerable relatives to call you should any tradesman insist work needs to be carried out, or are demanding money.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Trading Standards can be contacted on 03454 04 05 06.
