Travelling conmen scam Box Hill North World War II veteran out of $7000

Bruce, 91, whose surname has been withheld, was scammed by the travelling conmen on October 14, when two men “in bright yellow workmen coats” knocked on his door, offering to fix broken tiles on his roof.

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“One of them said his name was Paul — but I now doubt that was his real name — and I thought the younger one was maybe his son or apprentice, and they had Irish accents,” Bruce said.

“He said there was damage to my roof which must have been caused from the wild weather we’d had.”

When asked for identification, Paul produced a leaflet which suggested he was a legitimate tradie.

Paul demanded to be paid in cash for the roofing repairs, but when Bruce questioned the price Paul became “menacing”, forcing his way inside Bruce’s home.

“First he said $4000, and that’s when I started to realise he was up to no good,” Bruce said.

“But he was a big fellow, very intimidating, and he began raising his voice — he was really bossing me around, and then he said the price was $7000.

“He kept badgering me to go to the bank and, like a fool, I did.

“I’ve never done anything as stupid in my whole life, but I went to the bank and took out $7000 in hundred dollar bills.”

The men never returned to do the work and Bruce reported the con artists to Victoria Police.

Bruce said he hoped by coming forward he could help raise awareness of the con artists and prevent it happening to someone else.

Services frequently offered by travelling conmen include roofing, driveway repairs and tree lopping.

In the past financial year there were 10 reports of conmen in Whitehorse, making it the equal-second biggest hotspot in the state.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz said con artists preyed on the vulnerable.

“These scammers strike after natural disasters, like floods or wild winds, when people are vulnerable and desperate to repair their homes,” Ms Kairouz said.

If you suspect a travelling conman is in your area, phone the national travelling conmen hotline on 1300 133 408.