An elderly woman near Ely narrowly avoided losing £4,000 after being targeted by suspected rogue traders posing as tree workers. According to Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the pair arrived unannounced at the woman’s home last month and offered to trim two trees in her garden.
The woman agreed to the work, but after it was completed the men allegedly demanded £3,000 payment and insisted on taking her to the bank to withdraw the money.
When they discovered the bank was closed, the woman instead offered to write a cheque. The suspected scammers then reportedly increased the price to £4,000 “for the inconvenience”.
Fortunately, the woman later spoke to her son, who recognised the warning signs of a rogue trader scam and immediately cancelled the cheque before any money was lost.
Police are now urging residents across Cambridgeshire to remain vigilant and to warn elderly or vulnerable relatives about doorstep traders demanding large sums of cash for unexpected work.
Officers advise homeowners never to agree to work from cold callers without checking credentials, comparing quotes and speaking to family members or trusted neighbours first.
More advice on protecting vulnerable people from scams is available from Cambridgeshire Police scam prevention advice
