An elderly woman in Wisbech nearly withdrew "all of her savings" to pay builders who said her chimney needed repairing.

Police were called by concerned bank staff in Wisbech on Monday, who had a woman in her 70s come in asking to withdraw £7,500. 

After bank staff spoke to her more, she confided that builders doing work opposite her home had knocked on her door and said she needed some work doing to her chimney.

They had quoted her £5,000 for the work, but while completing it had noticed other ‘problems’ including a crack on the roof – and increased the price of their work by £2,500.

The elderly woman said the builders would return to her home that afternoon to collect the cash, and confided in bank staff that she was frightened and the money was nearly all of her savings 😞

Officers took the woman home and tried to contact the builders to no avail, but advised the woman not to pay.

An investigation has been launched with Action Fraud.

"Thank you to the bank staff, who called us after noticing things weren’t right," said a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary. 

"Remember - rogue traders often offer gardening work or maintenance services at attractive rates but the quality of work is substandard, unnecessary or overpriced.

"They also use persuasive sales techniques to encourage you into making hasty decisions.

"Doorstep selling is not illegal, but legitimate callers won’t mind if you ask them to come back later while you verify that they are genuine.

"Ask them to leave their details and a quote and you can call them back once you’ve had time to decide whether you would like them to carry out the work. Also ask to see their ID. 

"More info and advice on fraud can be found on the force's dedicated web page via https://orlo.uk/rogue-trading_4u6BZ."