Older members of the community have been urged to remain on the lookout, after an alleged roofing scam in Sydney’s inner west.
According to police, a 73-year-old woman was targeted in her home on March 3 by a man claiming to be a roofer. He told her that the apartment complex needed urgent repairs and persuaded her to let him inside, where he reportedly accessed her personal financial details.
The man returned the following day and drove them to her local bank, after he pressured her to make an advance payment for the “repairs”. She gave him a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars, which she later cancelled after contacting the police.
Police have released CCTV footage of a man they believe can assist with their investigation.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, aged in his 40s or 50s, with a distinctive accent, believed to be Irish.
He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, a black hat, and blue jeans.
Police also believe he drives a white van and is accompanied by a second man also of Caucasian appearance.
“These scammers are targeting older people and claim that urgent home repairs are necessary, demanding large sums of money for work that is not needed,” Inner West Police Area Command crime manager, Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis said.
“We would always recommend anyone approached like this should take the time and check these people are correctly licensed; these details can be checked with authorities such as NSW Fair Trading, Service NSW.”
He also urged older people who felt unsure to not let strangers inside their home or accompany them to the bank.
“Be on your guard, check credentials, get trusted family members involved, and – if you feel you have been a victim of a scam like this – please call police: we will investigate,” Kennis said.
Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Images: NSW Police
