A WARNING has been issued by police after vulnerable pensioners in Renfrewshire were targeted by bogus callers. 

In two separate incidents, women aged 79 and 86 were approached by men offering to carry out gardening and repair work around their properties.

The first scam took place at a home in the Spateston area of Johnstone between noon and 1pm on Sunday, July 19.

After the 86-year-old victim gave the men £300 for gardening work and to fix the brickwork on her back wall, they only bothered to trim a few bushes before leaving and failing to return to finish the job.

The next week, two men carried out a small amount of gardening work at a house in Linwood, initially agreeing a price of £1,200 to remove trees but then increasing their fee after claiming the trees had diseased roots.

The 79-year-old victim paid a total of £7,000 to the fraudsters before they deserted their duties.

Renfrewshire residents are now being urged to remain alert to the risk of rogue traders ‘cold calling’ at their home and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect vulnerable family members or friends who could fall victim to such crimes.

Sergeant Kevin McGee, who is based at Renfrew police station, said: “Residents should check the legitimacy of companies before handing over money or agreeing to any work being carried out, such as asking a family member or neighbour for advice.”

Enquiries into both incidents are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101.

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