Man in court accused of bogus workman crimes against elderly

28-year-old alleged to have conned pensioners out of thousands of pounds

A 28-year-old has appeared in court accused of bogus workman offences against elderly householders in Fife.

John Paterson is accused of scamming thousands of pounds from three residents aged between 70 and 94.

The incidents are said to have taken place in Lochgelly, Rosyth and Lower Largo in May and July.

Paterson, from Kirkcaldy, appeared in private at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday charged with two counts of fraud and one of theft.

He made no plea to the charges against him and was granted bail. He is expected to appear again at a date still to be confirmed.

A 33-year-old who was also arrested and charged did not appear in court and was liberated pending further police inquiries.

Police said £11,000 was scammed from the three householders.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Marsh of Fife Division’s CID said: “Bogus workmen offences are despicable crimes which see lies and manipulation used to scam money out of people on their own doorstep.

“We’d urge people to always be wary of anyone who attends your door claiming that your property needs repairs.”

Mr Marsh said people should always ask for identification and should not feel obliged to agree to have any work carried out.

“Call a trusted neighbour, relative or police if you are unsure or are made to feel intimidated or uncomfortable,” he said.

“Please look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours and take a note of any suspicious vehicles or the descriptions of individuals if you have concerns.

“Our ‘Shut Out Scammers’ campaign has more useful advice which can be found on Police Scotland’s website and our social media.”

Fife Council’s Trading Standards service said anyone with concerns about an unexpected caller at their door should not open it but should report any suspicions to Police Scotland on 101 or Fife Trading Standards on 0800 555 111.

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Call a trusted neighbour, relative or police if you are unsure or are made to feel intimidated. DETECTIVE SERGEANT KIERAN MARSH