Elderly woman scammed out of a three figure sum by bogus tradesmen in Edinburgh

Police are appealing for information after a spate of bogus callers in North West Edinburgh resulted in an elderly woman being scammed out of a three figure sum.

The incident took place on Tuesday, June 30 around 3.45 pm at the woman’s home in Easter Drylaw Drive.

Two men called at the property and offered landscaping services which the woman paid for upfront.

The men then left in a car and did not return.

Similar incidents occurred in Cramond Park at 11.30 am on July 1 and Craigs Avenue at 1.15 pm on July 2, where the men were unsuccessful at gaining any money from the property owners, though the same services were offered.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg at Corstorphine CID said: “This type of crime is despicable and is often targeted at the elderly and vulnerable in our communities. At this time we are trying to establish whether any of these incidents are linked.

“I urge members of the public to be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly at their home offering to carry out work, especially work that they don’t believe is required.

“Ask for identification and/or a business card so that you can make the necessary checks for verification, don’t be afraid to say no and don't be embarrassed as genuine callers expect you to be careful.

“If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door and report the incident to police.”

Anyone who has any information relating to the above incidents or anyone who has concerns or feels that they have been a victim of a bogus crime or scam caller should contact police via telephone number 101.

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Joy Yates

Editorial Director