Two OAPs conned by callous crooks
Police urge vigilance after Dunblane residents swindled
six feet tall, of stocky build and had short ‘wavy’ black hair and spoke with a local accent.
On the same day, a 97-year-old man in The Crescent was also targeted. A man attended at the property and engaged in conversation with the elderly man for a short period of time before being handed a quantity of cash by the resident. It’s believed the man handed over £200 in cash.
The elderly resident had previously fallen victim to a bogus workman scam. In September last year the Observer told how the man was conned out of a threefigure sum by a conman.
Both incidents happened on January 17. Police have urged local people to be vigilant.
Inspector Andy Bushell, of Dunblane Police Office, has offered advice to residents in the area in a bid to stop them falling victim to swindlers.
He said: “If you have one, always use a door chain prior to answering the door.
“Always check who is at the door, either by looking through a window or using your spyhole. Do not engage with any cold callers wishing to carry out work on your property. If they advise you that they have already completed work for you advise them to come back when other family members will be home.
“Do not agree to any work being carried out, if you feel uncomfortable ask them to re-attend when a family member can be present.
“Never allow people who you don’t know into your home. Always ask for a check identification. If in doubt phone the company or organisation they claim to represent. If you do not have a scheduled appointment do not allow them into your home.
“Should you have anyone attend at your home under these circumstances please speak to other family members, friends or your home carer urgently.”
Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
●In October last year, a 75-year-old woman was swindled out of more than £1700 after being duped in a social media con in which a scammer posed as a relative.
●In May 2017, police were hunting a trickster who conned a Dunblane man out of a four-figure sum of cash.