A HEARTLESS conman tried to cheat a vulnerable borough pensioner out of £35,000 only to be scuppered by quick-thinking bank staff and Solihull Trading Standards.
The upsetting incident saw a trader attempt to con the elderly homeowner out of £35,000 of his life savings by driving him to the bank to withdraw the cash for roof repairs – repairs that a genuine trader later quoted just £1,500 for.
Thankfully for the victim, staff at the un-named bank suspected foul play, refused to hand over the cash and immediately called trading standards.
A spokesperson for Solihull Trading Standards said: “If the goods or services cost more than £42 and you did not invite the seller to call then you generally have 14 days to change your mind and cancel the contract.
“By law the trader must give you a written notice detailing your rights to cancel the contract – failure to do this is a criminal offence.
“If a trader refuses to leave when asked, call the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
The incident is currently being investigated and pensioners across the borough are being urged to be extra-vigilant.
