AN elderly Mornington Peninsula resident was tricked into having a tree cut down by travelling conmen – and even driven to the bank to withdraw $2500 to pay them before they started work.
Police said residents should beware of the conmen who knock on doors offering services, particularly to elderly residents.
The tree-lopping incident was reported by the victim’s son-in-law as the victim suffers from dementia.
Police said the conmen knocked on doors of homes and small businesses offering to do jobs, such as driveway resurfacing, painting, roof repairs and carpet cleaning on the cheap.
Police urge residents not to answer the door to travelling conmen, or to ask them to leave straight away. If they refuse, they are breaking the law. Residents should record as much information as possible, such as their name and vehicle registration.
Travelling conmen incidents can be reported to the national hotline 1300 133 408 or to local police.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 July 2018
