Police say conmen have targeted elderly women living in Parsons Green
Police are warning residents to be aware and vigilant following three hoax telephone calls to homes in Parsons Green.
The calls, made to elderly women, were made from alleged workmen demanding large sums of money for building work that was never carried out.
On Friday September 26, an 83 year-old woman received a phone call telling her that, as a result of work carried out on her neighbour’s property they needed to do some building work on hers as well.
The fraudster convinced her that £1,300 must be paid upfront via bank transfer. A second man then contacted her again and requested a further £3,000. She refused and went to seek advice from her neighbours only to find out that they never had any work carried.
A second woman aged 86 received a similar call on Tuesday September 30 asking her to pay £2,000, but she became suspicious and did not transfer any money.
Then on Tuesday October 28, the conmen struck again and this time a woman aged 80 was persuaded to pay out £2,500.
DCI Keith Blundy from Hammersmith & Fulham Borough says: " The fraudsters who carry out this type of crime portray themselves as genuine tradesmen and often target the elderly and vulnerable who are more likely to believe the lies they are told.
" If you are concerned that a neighbour, friend or relative is suddenly paying out large sums of money or notice that they are having work done on their property which you deem unnecessary please contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
November 7, 2014
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