Vulnerable elderly residents in Angus have been urged to be on their guard after a pensioner was doorstepped by a suspected con man claiming to be a therapist.
The mystery cold caller, who had a foreign accent, appeared at the Forfar resident’s door on Monday but fled when a family member became aware of the visit.
The police and trading standards have also been informed of the incident and it is being treated as “suspicious”.
It is the latest incident in the Angus area where residents have been cold called, either by phone or to their home, by people apparently seeking to gain entry.
A spokesman for Angus Council said: “Residents are urged to please be vigilant and to beware of anyone who cold calls you offering services, either by phone or on the doorstep.
“Anyone who is legitimate will have an ID card and will not mind being checked out.
“If you live alone, or do not want a visitor that day, ask the person to make an appointment for a time that is convenient for you.
“This means you will have an opportunity to be ready for their visit and to arrange for a friend or relative to be with you so you are not alone.
“Do not feel this is rude you have the right to decide who enters your home and when and all genuine representatives from reputable companies will not mind.”
A new Twitter account has been launched in a bid to highlight cold calling incidents as well as direct victims and their families to the relevant advice.
Residents can follow the @ScamFreeAngus Twitter feed for the latest information.
The authority is urging residents to contact trading standards on 08452 777 778 if they have any doubts about a caller. Residents can also display a Doorstoppers sticker, available from ACCESS Offices, libraries and police stations.