Police on the Isle of Wight are investigating an allegation of fraud by deception after a local woman in her late 80s was conned out of £2,000 by 3 white van men.
The trio, who were not known to the victim, arrived on her doorstep at Perowne Way in Sandown and proceeded to cut down a small 4ft tree in the garden.
Once the work was carried out, the men entered the victim’s bungalow and asked for £2,000 in cash. Worryingly, the men are alleged to have followed the elderly woman into a bedroom whilst she retrieved the money.
Although the victim questioned the work, the ‘gardeners’ said that the victim’s grandson had asked them to come around to carry out the job.
The cash was handed over and the 3 men swiftly left the scene, claiming that the van was full and they would return to collect the remaining debris.
The incident took place between 12:45 and 13.20 yesterday (Saturday 21st September).
The men are described as being white and aged in their 20s or 30s.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We would ask anyone who is aware of similar incidents in the area, or has seen anyone approaching their elderly neighbours or loved ones in suspicious circumstances to contact police on 101.”
Police are also advising people to read the following advice, to familiarise themselves with doorstep crime:
Door-to-door scams
Many legitimate businesses sell products door-to-door; gas, electricity and water companies need to visit to read your meters; and charities will often call seeking donations. But fraudsters may also knock on your door to part you from your money, or get into your home to steal from you.
Examples of door-to-door scams
Most door-to-door scams involve selling goods or services that are either not delivered or are very poor quality. You won’t get value for money and you may get billed for work you didn’t want or agree to.
Some scammers conduct surveys just to get your personal details or as a cover to sell you goods or services you don’t want or need, such as roofing work or patio replacement.
Unscrupulous employees sometimes still act illegally even when selling a genuine product by a genuine business. If someone knocks at your front door claiming to be from a company, first check their ID. If you’re not happy, don’t let them in.
Never call the phone number on their ID card to check them out. Ask the salesperson to wait outside, shut the door and find the company number on the internet. If they’re genuine, they’ll understand.
Disgusting the lowest of the low I wish the death penalty still exists for scum like this
Ikr
Disgusting. Needs patrolling, lots of elderly in this area.
Agree but as always probably lack of money. Everyone needs to look out for there old neighbors get to now them. Need the old community spirit and drive out the vermin
This happened to my Grandad not so long ago, 3 guys turned up in a white van and cut a few branches off a tree and left them there. Demanded £2000 and as he didn’t have the cash they made him get in their van and took him to the bank! From East Cowes to Ryde. The guys were from the mainland. The police caught up with them and gave them a warning!! This has been happening for years all over the Island. Please warn your elderly relatives.. these guys will keep on coming back because they get away with it every time.
Were they local accent or foreign? Sounds too bizarre. How did they know she had the cash at home? Maybe a charming relly is involved who knew she had the money at home. Or was it just chancers?
The lack of info, now often means it is NON Brits, as IF blacks carry out crimes the colour is rarely mentioned, but these could be Eastern Europeans or just local trash. Someone must have video of the van at that time, as the old are always nosing out of curtains and have videos of everything etc.
Needs her male rellies IF not involved to have a little chat to the low life me thinks.
wake up and smell the ROSES. what more do you need D.S.. its all over the net. , wanna see the vans plates?
They need tieing to a tree and nails slowly inserted up toe and fingernails! I’d gladly carry this surgical procedure and pay the poor lady £2000 for the pleasure, utter scum
So presumably, ‘they’ knew there was £2000 cash on the premises