Trading Standards are warning Bromley residents to be vigilant after two elderly women almost fell victim to bogus builder scams.

In both incidents pensioners were cold-called by a "heavily built man" who told them there was a problem with the drainage in the back garden.

While they were distracted, another scammer went in to the house and poured water on the bathroom floor to make it look like there was a leak.

Both elderly women were asked to pay thousands in order to fix the leak.

In the first incident Trading Standards officers were called to the NatWest bank in Beckenham where an 89-year-old woman was trying to withdraw £4000 in cash.

The second incident was reported to Trading Standards by Bromley police, after a 91-year-old woman in West Wickham was approached by the same bogus builder.

She became aware that another individual had entered her house when she heard her toilet flushing upstairs.

She was to provide £3000 in cash to pay for machinery to rectify the problem. The resident went straight to a neighbour who reported the incident on her behalf.

Councillor Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and safety said: "The simple advice here is not to deal with cold callers and never let them in your house, even if they appear to be plausible. 

"Thanks to the NatWest Bank, the Police and the concerned neighbour, we were able to intervene on both occasions.

"It is clear that these despicable criminals are targeting older residents.

"I would urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious callers offering any sort of property repairs to our trading standards team."  

Trading Standards are urging residents to report any incidents of cold calling for property repairs and to keep a look out for any vulnerable neighbours.

Referrals can be made via the Trading Standards Rapid response Number on 07903 852090.

Advice on how to avoid becoming a victim to bogus builders and other scams is available on the Council’s website.