Police were told a 73-year-old woman was at home on March 3 when she was approached by a man who claimed to be a roofer.
He told her that the apartment complex needed urgent repairs.
The man persuaded the woman to let him inside, where it’s believed he accessed her personal financial details.
The next day, the man returned and drove the woman to her local bank, where she gave him a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars after he pressured her to pay in advance for the “repairs”.
The woman later cancelled the cheque and contacted police.
Investigators have now released CCTV footage of a man they believe can help with their inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, aged in his 40s or 50s, and with a distinctive, possibly Irish, accent.
When last seen, he was wearing a black t-shirt, a black hat, and blue jeans.
Police also believe he drives a white van and is accompanied by a second man described only as being of Caucasian appearance.
Inner West Police Area Command crime manager, Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis, warned older people to be aware they could be targets of scammers.
“These scammers are targeting older people and claim that urgent home repairs are necessary, demanding large sums of money for work that is not needed,” Kennis said.
“We would always recommend anyone approached like this should take the time and check these people are correctly licensed; these details can be checked with authorities such as NSW Fair Trading, Service NSW.”
He urged older people who felt unsure to not let strangers inside their home, nor to accompany them to financial institutions.
“Be on your guard, check credentials, get trusted family members involved, and – if you feel you have been a victim of a scam like this – please call police: we will investigate,” Kennis said.
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