BOGUS workmen who conned a pensioner out of £350 had to pay her back after being caught red-handed by the police and trading standards.
Trading under the name ’Driveway Repairs’ they targeted a 79- year-old Wilthorpe woman and offered to add red silicone to her drive and do some gardening.
She paid £300 up front but the traders just threw sand on the drive before demanding another £50 for materials.
The lady contacted the council’s regulatory services who along with the police made sure they were waiting for the workmen on their return to her house.
Farzana Jumma, fair trading officer, said: “Rogue traders often return to the scene of previous successes to try to get even more money from their victims by promising further work or finding additional charges for work that is substandard or, in this case, work that simply didn’t take place.
“Knowing this we arranged for the woman to call me as soon as they returned so I could contact police to catch them in the act.
“Once they returned all it took was one quick phone call and the police arrived demanding the woman’s money back. This was paid in full and she was delighted with the result.”
