Local police officers are warning local residents to a scam, following recent sightings, concerning suspicious vehicles, in Worcestershire.

West Mercia Police are urging residents across their entire force area of the potential scam, which they say everyone should be aware of.

Persons have purported to carry out garden or driveway repair. They have approached home owners and discussed carrying out repairs to their property. The workmen, when discussing the payment, insist that any monies would be paid into a bank account, but not in cash.

Prior to or during any work being carried or completed, the workmen then ask for a deposit or a substantial amount of the money up front. This gets paid into a bank account by the home owner. The offender then tells the victim it’s been paid into the wrong account and states that the money is being returned and immediately requests a second payment to a second account. Both sums of money are never returned and work is either left unfinished or never carried out in the first place.

Offenders will target elderly and vulnerable victims.

Please remain vigilant and note the crime prevention advice below:

• Don’t be forced into making a quick decision on the doorstep

• Get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations

• Only deal with firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses - beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers and accommodation addresses

• Anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have seven days in which to cancel it by law.

• All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, usually on the doorstep - it is an offence not to do so

• If you don’t want to speak to the trader don’t open your door to them - it can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys so it might be easier to keep the door closed

• Do not allow uninvited callers into your home

• Refuse to be taken to the bank to withdraw money - if you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the police

Remember if you see or hear anything suspicious report immediately on 101 or if a crime is in progress or an emergency then dial 999