Inner West Warned Of Alleged Scammer Targeting Older Residents

Police are warning residents in the Inner West of a “roofing scammer” alleged to be targeting older community members after a woman reported a suspicious incident last month.

An investigation was launched after a 73-year-old woman from Sydenham told officers she had been visited at home on March 3 by a man claiming to be a roofer.

The man alleged her apartment complex needed urgent repairs and persuaded the woman to let him inside, where police believe he then accessed her personal financial details.

The next day, he returned and drove the woman to her local bank where she gave him a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars after being pressured to pay in advance for the repairs.

It’s then that the woman cancelled the cheque and reported the incident to Marrickville Police.

CCTV footage released in public appeal

Inner West Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis advised older community members that they shouldn’t let strangers into their home without checking their credentials.

“It would also be a wise move to get a second, independent quote from known appropriately-licensed tradesmen to be sure your house actually needs the work,” he said. 

“If you feel intimidated by someone at your home, close the door and contact your family or the police immediately.

“It is also important not to allow these people to accompany you to your bank or other financial institutions to for payment, as you can be vulnerable in this situation as well.”

CCTV vision has been released as police appeal to members of the public for information.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, and believed to be in his 40s to 50s. The police have been told the man had a distinctive accent, possibly Irish, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, a black hat and blue jeans.

Police said they believe he drives a white van, and is accompanied by a second man of Caucasian appearance.

“While police do not want to alarm older members of the community, we have a duty of care to ensure they are aware there are unscrupulous people who try to take advantage,” said Det Insp Kennis.

“Be on your guard, check credentials, get trusted family members involved, and – if you feel you have been a victim of a scam like this – please call police: we will investigate.”

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.