Police have issued a warning after a couple living in a village near Wigan were 'threatened' by workmen offering to paint their fences.
Two men, in their 20s, knocked on the couple's front door in Chequer Lane, Upholland, on March 2.
They were quoted £60 for the work to be completed - but when they returned to collect their money they demanded £600.
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The money was then handed over because the residents felt 'threatened by them'.
The two men arrived in a white Ford Transit style van are are described as being white, around 6ft, with dark hair and stubble, and having northern accents.
PC Ashdown from Skelmersdale Police has now warned residents to keep their houses secure - and to ask 'for identification or a number to contact' to verify the identity of anyone coming to the door.
In a statement put out in social media, the officer said: "On March 2 police were called to attend an address on Chequer Lane, Upholland following reports of two males in their mid to late 20s approaching addresses offering to paint fencing.
"One couple were quoted £60 for the work to be completed. However, when the two males returned to collect their money they have demanded £600 which they were given as the resident felt threatened by the males.
"The two males arrived in a white Ford Transit type van and are described as white males approximately 6ft with dark hair and stubble. They are described as talking with northern accents.
"To other residents, please remember to keep your house secure and if you are unsure of the credibility of anyone attending your address ask them for identification or a number to contact to verify their identity.
"If you have any information that could assist with this investigation please ring 101 quoting log number 651 of the 2nd March."
