Reports of a man swindling elderly residents into giving him money have come forward this week, after one man was forced to hand over £150.

The fraudster has been using the same story to gain entry into old folk's homes, claiming his father or grandfather knew them from the war.

One woman, who did not want to be named, told The Press her grandfather handed over £150 after the man followed him into his house last Tuesday.

She said: "My grandad was approached by a man at the end of his street, as he was walking home. The guy said his grandfather knew my grandad, and he followed him right into his house as my grandad opened the door to go inside.

"He said he was going off to Italy and had things he couldn't take with him. My grandad started feeling uncomfortable as soon as the man started talking about money, and he then asked my grandad for £200. He started asking for more and was very intimidating, and my grandad asked him to leave. He didn't, and my grandad handed over £150.

"He's absolutely mortified now. When the man left a pile of junk with him he realised what had happened.

"My grandad didn't want to call the police because he was so embarrassed, and I just wonder how many other people have been conned and are too embarrassed to say anything. A lot of pensioners keep money in their houses and this man could have been more aggressive had my grandad not handed over anything. It's just disgusting."

Last week was not the first time the man has targeted the Templehall area. Elaine Simpson contacted The Press after her 87-year-old father, also from the area, was conned by the same story at the beginning of the year.

She said: "I want people to be aware that this is happening. You hear about these things but don't ever think it will happen to someone you know. A man of the same description followed my dad into his house, saying his grandad knew my dad from during the war.

"Luckily, my dad said he had no money in the house, and the man just disappeared."

Both men described the con-man as being big built, with dark hair and an Italian accent, although neither know if this was put on or genuine.
Neil Crooks, one of the councillors for the area, said: "This type of crime absolutely disgusts me and I'm sure it will disgust the vast majority of the people who live in Templehall.

"I would urge anybody with any information to please get straight in touch with the police or the Templehall Community Wardens."

Fife Police have also condemned the fraudster, and reiterated Cllr Crooks' plea for anyone who has any information to come forward.

Area Chief Inspector Gary Crawford said: "Preying on the elderly and vulnerable within our society with this type of fraudulent scheme is a truly despicable act.

"I would urge anybody who is unsure as to the honesty or motives of any person they are dealing with to refuse to part with their money and to contact the police to seek advice and assistance."