Jorge Branco
Fake tradespeople are talking their way into Brisbane homes to carry out "urgent" repairs or remove possums from roofs before stealing from elderly homeowners.
Police are warning older residents in Brisbane's north to be on the lookout for the scammers after a spate of incidents in late July.
At least four separate people, aged between 72 and 91, have been targeted in homes from Windsor to Sandgate.
"People posing as tradesmen, approach residents and offer to conduct urgent repairs and or remove possums from victims' home," police said in a statement.
"The urgency of the repairs is stressed with residents - who are aged in their 70s, 80s and 90s - feeling obligated to commence the work immediately."
Police said the scammers demanded payment upfront before stealing money or property from the homes without carrying out any work.
A Sandgate man, 72, was targeted on July 31, when a man stole money from his home after offering to remove a possum from his roof.
A Stafford Heights woman, 86, suffered a similar fate a day earlier, when thieves got away with her handbag.
A Windsor woman, 91, had cash stolen after a man and a woman approached her offering roof repairs and an 86-year-old woman from Banyo suffered the same fate after two men approached her.
Police said they were appalled by the scam and called on anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"To ensure you are not becoming a victim of fraud, it is essential you remain alert and attempt to check the credentials of tradespeople offering unwarranted assistance," the statement read.
"If you have an elderly neighbour or family member be sure to advise them of this scam."
Visit www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/fraud or www.scamwatch.gov.au for more information.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission said homeowners could call 139 333 to check if a tradesman was registered.
Brisbane Times
