A Fife pensioner was conned out of £120 after a bogus workman claimed to clear the guttering on her home.
The 89-year-old woman paid the man following an unsolicited call to her home in Windygates last Saturday.
The following day, a second man attended the address and asked for £80 for doing the same work.
On this occasion, no money was handed over and the woman raised the alarm with the police.
Officers are now carrying out inquiries in an effort to trace the suspects as quickly as possible.
The first male is described as between 17 and 20, around 5ft 4in, with short dark hair, slim build, wearing a dark jumper, dark trousers and he left in a dark coloured car.
The second male is described as between 21 and 40, around 5ft 6in, with short fair hair, stocky build, tan coloured jacket and tan trousers. He left in a white or cream van, which had red lettering on it.
Sergeant Craig Fyall, of Levenmouth Police Station, said: “This is an awful crime where the suspect has taken advantage of a vulnerable person and ruthlessly exploited her in order to steal money.
“Unfortunately, bogus callers can come across as extremely convincing and will use every trick at their disposal.
“Our advice is to always ask for identification and never feel obliged to hand over money or personal details to a stranger at your door.
“If you need a job done and you’re worried about bogus workmen you can contact trusted trader at www.fifedirect.org.uk/trustedtrader or telephone 01592 583141.
“Alternatively, if you wish to report a crime contact police on 101.”
