'Disgraceful' con artist preying on elderly flood victims in Doncaster

A bogus official claiming to be from the ‘Floods Authority’ is believed to be preying on elderly victims in Doncaster
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Police said a man had visited a vulnerable older woman in the Austerfield area yesterday, Monday, December 2, at around 1.30pm and asked if he could help.

Although no money or valuables are known to have been stolen in that case, officers believe the man was posing as an official to target vulnerable victims.

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Sergeant Steve Roberts, from the Doncaster Central neighbourhood policing team, said: “It’s disgraceful that anyone would pose as an official to prey on vulnerable victims like this.

Flooding in Fishlake, Doncaster (pic: Richard McCarthy/PA Wire)Flooding in Fishlake, Doncaster (pic: Richard McCarthy/PA Wire)
Flooding in Fishlake, Doncaster (pic: Richard McCarthy/PA Wire)

“If you have cold callers knocking at your door do not allow them and check their IDs. No legitimate visitor will mind you doing this.

“Please pass on the message to any vulnerable or elderly people you know.”

The South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal has been set up to help those whose homes were damaged.