A STRETFORD pensioner who was duped by bogus workmen is warning others to be on their guard.

The 69 year-old retired teacher was tricked into handing over £350 savings to a pair of conmen.

The tricksters had called at his home offering to re-lay his rear drive.

He agreed to let them do the work - but when the men came back on the agreed day, they asked him to hand over the cash immediately. Despite feeling uneasy the grandfather gave them the money and they left straight away.

The pensioner - who does not want to be identified - says: "Stupidly, I had already got the money out for the job.

"They didn't arrive until 4pm and I said it was too late to start the work. But one of them pretended to do some work with a shovel while the other one pressurised me into giving him the money, saying he needed it for materials.

"I felt really pressurised, so in the end I gave it to him.

"This has really upset me and my wife and I would like to ensure no one else goes through the same trauma.

"I want people to be aware that this type of thing is going on in the area so they can be on their guard."

Det Sgt Phil Wrenn at Stretford crime management unit says: "These type of offenders prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

"I would warn members of the public that there are rogue traders and as we come up to Christmas they will see this as a way of getting extra money.

"Ensure you contact a reputable tradesman to have work done - and never hand over money until the work is done."

Joe Mann, assistant director for trading standards, says: "This is a sad tale that is all too familiar.

"Householders should not use people who come knocking on their doors uninvited, offering to do work. Anyone who wants work carrying out should seek recommendations from friends and select a trader that advertises and is established locally.

"And they should never pay all the money up front."

The trading standards division runs a 'Better Business' scheme, which lists a wide range of businesses that have been vetted by trading standards, and demonstrated they understand consumers' rights and traders' responsibilities.

Copies can be obtained by sending in a written request together with a stamped addressed envelope to Trading Standards, 9D Crofts Bank Road, Urmston M41 0LL.

Victim warns pensioners

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.