Cruel bogus callers conned an elderly man into letting them into his home so they could steal his money.
The 88-year-old has been left upset by the twisted scam, which saw two thieves make off with a sum of cash from the home in Paisley.
The man was duped by the two crooks, who were wearing yellow high-vis vests when they knocked on his door on Wednesday afternoon, telling him they were there to clean drains in the area.
He allowed the conmen – who appeared “very genuine” – in to check water pressure in various parts of his home in Mansionhouse Road.
The man then went to his bedroom and discovered one of the rogue workmen already in the room.
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The conman was challenged and after the pair left the property, the pensioner discovered cash was missing.
Officers in Paisley have now launched a manhunt to try and trace the two swindlers who preyed upon the elderly man.
They are carrying out extensive enquiries, including checking CCTV in the surrounding area, speaking with residents in the street and appealing to the public for information.
Inspector Laura Hamill, of Paisley’s community policing team, said: “Officers in Renfrewshire are dedicated to targeting bogus callers who take advantage of vulnerable people in the community.
“These men appeared very genuine and we have officers out doing enquiries into the incident.
“I’d like to remind residents to always ask for ID, no matter how genuine people appear.
“We would urge anyone who may be able to assist us with our enquiries into this matter to please get in touch with us.
“We are appealing to anyone who has dashcam footage or CCTV in the surrounding area around 1.30pm on Wednesday, June 1 to get in touch with local officers quoting reference number 1809 of June 1.”
There have been a number of bogus callers in the area in recent months.
At the beginning of March, a 74-year-old was left severely distressed after bogus callers tricked her into letting them into her home where they stole hundreds of pounds of valuables.
The thieves made off with a three-figure haul from her home in Renfrew.
On February 20, two men attempted to steal from the home of an elderly couple after gaining entry under false pretences.
The couple, who are both in their 80s, realised they were being targeted by bogus callers after allowing them into their home located near King George V playing fields around 7.45pm.
The pair were chased off by the couple before they were able to steal anything.
Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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