Bogus antique dealers duped a pensioner into handing over an old table after persuading her to let them into her Seaford home.
The two men offered the woman up to £2,000 for a piece of furniture, which the homeowner refused to accept.
After some persuasion, she gave away an old inexpensive gate leg table to get them out of her house in Westdown Road, Seaford.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The single easiest thing to do when unannounced callers turn up on the doorstep is to say no.
"Don't be tempted by what they have to say. Genuine callers will wait while you pick up the phone and check with their company.
"Unannounced callers are unlikely to. Say no and call the police."
One man was described as white, in his late 40s, walking with a stick and wearing a scarlet shirt, dark suit and black shoes.
The other was much younger.
Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 6070999.
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