Two people were arrested in Hutton Rudby on Saturday after concerns were raised about the amount of money an elderly woman was withdrawing from her bank to pay doorstep callers for cleaning her drive.
The pair, who had called at the door of the woman in her 80s, quoted a price for cleaning her drive and then came back and told her she owed them more.
Police say the original quote was considered high for the work done and the second request for payment raised concerns when she went to withdraw the money from her local post office.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Due to the quick thinking of shop staff in reporting their concerns to us, officers were able to intercept the suspects when as they returned to the area to collect the rest of the money.”
A 41-year-old man and 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
Both have been released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.
The spokesperson added: “Our advice to anyone who receives cold callers at their door is to politely refuse any work and not to part with any money.
“If you are unsure about who is at your door, please don’t answer it.”
If you need any work doing, always consult a trusted friend or family member or visit Trading Standard’s approved trader scheme through www.Trustmark.org.uk
If you feel threatened by a caller, or see an crime in progress, always call 999.
If you wish to report suspicious callers that have left the area, please call 101 or report it online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk
Please quote reference number 12230021625.
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