Bogus workmen are reportedly operating in the south of Inverness.
Police are investigating a number of incidents which have taken place this week in the Holm, Culduthel and Lochardil areas of the city.
It comes after warning and advice about bogus callers was issued by police last week in conjunction with Highland Council’s trading standards.
The trading body is also warning that with established contractors under pressure to cope with home repairs demands after recent storm damage, bogus workmen could be seizing the opportunity to do shoddy work for cut prices.
During two of the incidents, men targeted local addresses including those with older residents, offering to fix broken tiles and treat roofs for moss for “free” before requesting a sum of money.
Both residents involved asked the callers to leave before contacting the police.
Descriptions were provided by residents of at least three men. One is in his late teens and the others are in their 40s and 50s, between 5ft 8in and 6ft, wearing both blue and black clothing.
Superintendent Angus MacPherson said: “It is concerning to hear that suspected bogus callers have been reported to be operating in the local area, with elderly residents being their chosen targets. Fortunately, all residents involved have declined their offers of work and have asked the callers to leave before reporting the matter to the police or trading standards.”
Gordon Robb, trading standards manager at Highland Council, said: “Established firms may well have difficulty coping with the demand following a severe storm and while we have not received any reported incidents to date, we would advise householders to be very wary of any trader who cold calls them or has just arrived in the area and is seeking to carry out repairs.”
Any suspicious activity should be reported to police on 101, trading standards on 01463 228 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.