Bogus Callers Scam Man Out Of £46,000

Police are appealing for information after a report of a 68-year-old man being conned out of nearly £50,000 when he was told he needed to have repairs to his home in Portsmouth.

From the end of August through to the end of September 2012, the victim, who lives in the Copnor area, handed over up to £46,500 after being told by apparent conmen that their company offered a service that would strip the coating off the exterior of his house and renew it.
 
Police investigating believe this was a fictitious company created to help them convince people that these work offers were genuine.
 
Officers are advising members of the public to always check the identification of any unknown people attending their homes, even for pre-arranged visits. Legitimate companies will have identification, if in doubt, shut them out, and call the company to confirm who they are.
 
Police are appealing to anyone who lives in the Copnor area who may have been approached by cold callers offering a similar service or who might have more information to contact DC Jackie Foley at  Fratton Police Station by phoning 101.