OAP targeted by bogus caller

A housebound pensioner was targeted in her own home by a bogus doorstep fundraiser who stole her purse after claiming he was working for a cancer charity.

The 80-year-old was at her property in Monifieth when she was visited a man who said he was raising funds for Cancer Research.

The woman, who is confined to a single room in her home because of mobility issues, said 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 fraudster came inside and began to tell her “sob stories” about friends who had died from cancer.

The pensioner, who asked not to be named, subsequently donated £10 and was then asked by the man if she had any tissues.

She said he left after she provided him with hankies but she quickly realised he had also made off with her purse.

Police are investigating the incident, which happened at around 4pm on Friday.

The pensioner, a hotel worker by trade before she retired, said she hoped the man would be brought to justice before he is able to strike again.

PC David North, community officer for Police Scotland, urged householders to be vigilant against fraudulent cold callers.