An 82-year-old woman was targeted by fraudsters who tricked their way into her home 'to check the water supply'.
The incident happened between 10.30am and 11am on Thursday (July 30) at an address in Balfour Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Nottinghamshire Police say the men knocked on the woman's door claiming to be checking her water, before spending around half-an-hour in the home and leaving.
The older of the two men was described by the woman as white, of average build and between 40 and 45 years old. He wore a facemask and a green tabard "that appeared too small for him".
The other man was white and in his mid-twenties. He was wearing a dark top and trousers.
Launching an appeal, Nottinghamshire Police say both Severn Trent Water and Ashfield District Council say these men were fraudsters.
Detective Constable Louise Foster said: “These two men claimed to be concerned about tree routes disrupting this property’s water supply, but checks with both Severn Trent Water and the local council suggest that they were not who they claimed to be.
“Whilst we don’t believe anything was stolen we would like to track them down as quickly as possible to find out what they were doing and why. If you saw them yesterday either in this area or elsewhere we’d like to hear from you.
"Some criminals often prey on our most vulnerable residents, tricking their way into homes by making up stories, by pretending to work for an official company or asking for help to try to gain entry.
"We want to remind people to be on their guard, especially if someone you’re not expecting – a man, woman or even a child – knocks on your door.
"Don't allow anyone without valid identification access to your home and, if you're unsure, don't let them in. Keep the chain on the door while talking to them and check with the company that the person is purporting to be from.
"Our advice is always to say no to cold-callers and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately.”
If anyone has any information about this incident please call 101 quoting incident number 561 of 30 July.
