A 90-year-old man was left "in fear of violence" by rogue traders after they conned him out of £4,000.
Officers are investigating after the pensioner was scammed earlier this month.
Police said a group of men demanded a staggering £4,000 from an elderly man after removing a tree in his Bromborough garden, on May 5.
When the victim questioned the price, the men surrounded him and left him "in fear of violence," police said.
Fearing for his safety, the man transferred the money online and the men left.
On May 18, the incident was reported to police and an investigation has been launched. Enquiries are also being carried out in the local area.
Community Policing Inspector Tom Welch said: "This was an appalling incident of intimidation and deception and we're supporting the victim as we investigate. Sadly such crimes are not always reported at the time, as in this case, which can either be through fear, confusion or shame.
"If you live in the Bromborough area and have seen or been made aware of any similar approaches earlier this month, please pass on any descriptions, vehicles, CCTV or other information to us and we will do the rest.
"These types of despicable offenders prey on the most vulnerable members of society and often leave a profound and lasting impact on their victims. They may claim that work needs doing on a property which is not even required, and charge an extortionate amount of money to carry out any work, which often does not even get carried out.
"Although victims are often left feeling embarrassed and reluctant to report incidents to police, I can assure them we will thoroughly investigate all reports, and offer safeguarding and crime prevention advice to them, their families and friends.
"Elderly people, their relatives and friends should always be wary of callers to their address offering any kind of service, however official they may appear. Identification should always be asked for and produced and, if necessary, contact made with the company they claim to work for to verify identities."
Keep up to date with local news in your area by adding your postcode below:
A police spokesperson said: "Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of any doorstep offender or rogue trader should ring 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
"Information can also be provided via their online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.
"For advice on dealing with uninvited rogue traders, or bogus callers, to your home, you can also contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0345 404 0506."
