Pensioner targeted bybogus fundraiser

The 80-year-old was at her property in Monifieth when she had a visit from a man claiming to be raising funds for Cancer Research.

The OAP, who is confined to a single room in her home because of mobility issues, said that she had heard someone enter the property and assumed it was one of her carers who call around at the house every day.

However, she was greeted by a man holding a clipboard who claimed he was representing Cancer Research.

She said the man came inside and began to tell her “sob stories” about friends that had died from cancer.

The pensioner, who asked not to be named for fear of being targeted again, subsequently donated £10 and was then asked by the man if she had any tissues. She said that he left after she provided him with hankies, but she quickly realised that he had also made off with her purse.

She told the Tele today that last Friday’s experience at around 4pm has meant she now cannot sleep i n her home.

She said: “I just can’t believe that someone would stoop so low.

“I heard someone come in, but I have four carers who come around every day — I thought it was one of them.

“The door was open, but if it’s closed then the carers have the code for it, so they just come in.

“That’s why I didn’t think anything of it. He came in and he was sitting on the end of my bed. He asked me for a tissue and I had a box at the other end of my bed.

“I turned around for only a minute, but that was enough time for him to steal my purse.

“I noticed straight away and my daughter phoned the police and the bank. It had all my cards in there and also all my numbers and addresses.

“It’s just unbelievable that people out there are willing to do that. I haven’t been able to sleep since it happened.”

The OAP, a hotel worker by trade before she retired, said she hopes the man will be brought to justice before he is able to strike again.

Police Scotland and Cancer Research were approached for comment, but had not responded at the time of going to press. Our

A HOUSEBOUND pensioner was targeted in her own home by a bogus doorstep fundraiser claiming to be collecting money for a cancer charity.