Fundraiser for man targeted by conmen

FRIENDS of a pensioner who was allegedly tricked into handing over £10,000 for minor repair work have launched a fundraising campaign to help him.

Police have launched an investigation after reports the vulnerable 67-year-old was duped by bogus roofers.

It is claimed that men approached the elderly homeowner – who does not wish to be identified – and told him he had a problem with the roof of his Cardiff house.

He reportedly handed over the fivefigure sum after the men returned to the property several times telling him they needed more money.

He has been left with very little money and is said to be scared and unable to afford to feed himself.

A friend said: “It is harrowing. He is such a nice man and it is awful that he has been taken advantage of.

“They basically came just before Christmas and worked for half a day on the roof. He is a very proud man and didn’t want to call the police but we persuaded him that they needed to be involved.

“They made him go to the bank several times with stories about how he could end up in court if he didn’t pay up, or that they would have to go to the police.

“He was so scared he paid up until there was nothing left.”

Now friends have set up a fundraising page to try and help him.

Police are continuing to investigate and have issued a crime reference number for anyone phoning with information. The number is 1800055276.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said that no arrests had been made.

She added: “We have received information that a 67-year-old man from Llanrumney had been a victim of fraud by a roofing company.

“The matter is being investigated and officers are carrying out enquiries in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101.