ELDERLY residents are being warned about rogue traders, posing as gardeners who are knocking on doors and fleecing people out of cash.

Police have received a number of complaints from residents in Blackburn and the Fylde Coast about a gardening company taking cash up front and then never returning to complete work.

PC Carol White said the fraudsters have managed to con a combined total of £2,000 from vulnerable residents so far.

PC White said: “Rogue traders prey on our most vulnerable residents, conning them out of large sums of money for unnecessary and overpriced work.

"Research shows that this can have a serious and lasting effect on the victim’s health and their confidence.

“In these instances, money has been handed over with the traders making off without carrying out any work.

"Our advice is always to say no to cold-callers. If you need a job doing get a number of quotes and agree a price and the work to be done in writing before going ahead. Legitimate companies will rarely ask for money up front.

“We would encourage anyone reading this to speak to elderly relatives and pass on these messages.”

Anyone with concerns about rogue traders can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, the national charity, anonymously, on 0800 555111.