A MAN posing as plumber has scammed a number of elderly people across Canberra.

The first incident happened on October 13, when a man described as 5’8″ tall, aged in his 50s, medium build, olive skin and Caucasian in appearance approached a home in Hughes. The man told the 90-year-old woman at the home that he was there to check the drains. The man asked the woman to flush the toilet, and shortly after left. After he had left, the woman noticed a sum of money was missing from her wallet.

On Friday, a 68-year-old wheel-chair bound woman living in Torrens was also scammed. The male offender, described as Caucasion in appearance, aged in his 50s, balding hair and about 6′ tall with a large build, identified himself as “Mark” from Canberra Plumbing.

He told the woman he needed to check the toilet. Once he claimed to have fixed the toilet he asked for a fee for his services and took a large sum of cash from the woman’s wallet.

Officer in Charge of Woden Police Station, Sergeant Steve Hogarth said there have been other incidents in recent weeks where members of the public, particularly the elderly, had been scammed.

“As recent as Monday, an 88-year-old Chifley resident was approached at her home by a man who claimed he was there to check the sewerage,” he said.

“The man was invited into the woman’s home and while there, has stolen a sum of cash from the victim’s purse.

“If someone knocks on your door and you don’t know who they are, do not let them into your home. Talk to these people through a locked security door and if you’re unsure about their motives, ask them to leave. If they won’t leave, contact the police.”

Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously should call police on 131 444. Anyone with information on this investigation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.