A Masterton man in his 70s was charged $3500 for just two hours of gardening work after three strangers turned up uninvited at his home and carried out what police described as "shoddy" work.
The trio showed up at the man's address, cut some branches, trimmed a hedge, and charged him $3500 for the work, which took around two hours. They then drove the man to the bank to withdraw the money.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom said it should have been a $600 job and victims were often unaware of the true cost until after the work was completed.
"These people take advantage of vulnerability and tend to target elderly victims or people who can’t do the work themselves."
Earlier this week, the family of a 92-year-old woman spoke with Seven Sharp after she was fleeced of her live savings, down to her last $2.
Trusting pensioner Cecily said she had just $2 left after he bled her dry. (Source: Seven Sharp)
Thom said unsolicited visits, pressure to pay on the spot and offers to return later if paid immediately were common warning signs, urging families, friends and neighbours to talk with older people in their communities about the risk.
"What can be really helpful is having those conversations and making people aware there are charlatans out there who will try to get every dollar they can," he said.
Police are advising anyone seeking gardening or maintenance work to shop around, get recommendations from trusted contacts and obtain at least two written quotes before agreeing to any work.
"If someone is putting pressure on you to make a quick decision, that’s a strong sign something isn’t right," Thom said.
Anyone who believed they may have been targeted or overcharged was encouraged to contact police.
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