A frail elderly man was targeted by a conman who pretended to do work on his house and took his money.
The 68-year-old fell foul of the fraudster when he called at his door in Cupar offering to clean his guttering.
After disappearing round the back for a while the bogus workman returned to collect his fee.
The victim, who requires care, was unable to check the job had been done and handed over a three-figure sum of money in good faith after being falsely told his neighbour had done the same.
It was only after the incident on Monday that the man discovered he had been conned.
Police are hunting the culprit and urged other householders to be on their guard.
Sergeant Pat Turner said: “We will not tolerate any criminal activity which targets vulnerable members of our communities.
“Anyone responsible for bogus workmen, rogue trader or cold-caller crimes can expect to be robustly dealt with by Police Scotland.”
Officers want to speak to anyone who can assist their inquiry.
The culprit is described as around 5ft 10in and slim with long fair hair.
He was wearing a sweatshirt or T-shirt with a Union Jack on the front and had a local accent.
He drove off in a small gun-metal grey van with ladders on top.
The crime occurred as Police Scotland’s Operation Monarda attempts to eradicate doorstep crime.
When the national offensive was launched earlier this year, it was revealed that more than 1,000 incidents had been recorded in less than six months, costing victims £400,000.
Those aged over 60 are particularly vulnerable to the scourge, which has seen people’s life savings wiped out to pay for unnecessary work and can affect victims’ health and wellbeing.
Conmen often scout an area and target elderly and vulnerable people likely to trust those who call at their door are genuine.
Earlier this year bogus workmen who promised to carry out roof repairs then absconded with cash struck in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry on the same day.