AN elderly woman was conned into paying £2,000 to a man claiming to be a repair worker from the council.

Sussex Police have urged Brighton residents to be vigilant after reports of a scam in the city.

Between Monday, January 25, and Wednesday, January 27, officers received reports from three people who were approached by conmen pretending to be council workers doing emergency repair work.

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One elderly man had a call from someone who requested money for work on his basement, but he recognised it as a scam and hung up.

The following day a fraudster attended an elderly woman's home and demanded money for urgent repair works needed at her property, and she handed over £2,000.

Another man was also approached by someone outside his property who demanded money on Wednesday, January 27, but he refused to pay.

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Police would like to hear from anyone else who may have fallen victim to this crime or anyone who can assist the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to report online at sussex.police.uk.

The force has also issued the following advice to avoid being scammed:

  • Never send or give money to anyone you do not know or trust
  • Check people are who they say they are
  • Do not share your personal information
  • Make decisions in your own time
  • If in doubt, phone a relative or a friend
  • Trust no-one who cold-calls you about your bank account or a problem with your computer.