Three men claiming to be electricians raised the suspicions of an elderly woman after they asked to be let in her home.
Police officers were contacted by the concerned 93-year-old’s family after the suspected fraudsters left her home in the Harlow Green area of Low Fell, Gateshead.
The group had turned up at her door unannounced brandishing identification cards which claimed they worked for an electrical company.
After letting the men in to take a look around her property, the woman became suspicious and raised the alarm after the group had left empty handed.
Officers have launched an investigation into the incident, and are asking residents in the area to be alert and to challenge cold-callers.
Detective Sergeant Craig Patchett from Northumbria Police said: “Fraudsters will take any opportunity to make money, and sadly, many of them see many elderly residents as easy targets who they can manipulate into handing over cash.
“We are aware of a few separate instances in which elderly people have been approached by either doorstep rogue traders, or received fraudulent phone calls from con-artists trying to coerce them into handing over money and valuables.
“I want to assure our communities we are doing all we can to protect people from these despicable offences and also ask that you continue to look out for your loved ones and help them to recognise fraudulent activity.
“Please remind your loved ones to challenge any and cold-callers or doorstep traders and ask they don’t let anyone in their homes unless it has been previously arranged.
“We know the elderly are especially vulnerable to cold-calling as lockdown continues, but we are here to help and offer assistance.”
To report suspicious behaviour, or fraudulent activity, call 101 or visit the Northumbria Police website and use the Tell us Something page.
