Surrey Police is urging residents to remain vigilant after a woman was conned out of hundreds of thousands of pounds by conmen pretending to be trading standards officers.

The victim was tricked into believing she was owed compensation in relation to work which had been carried out on her driveway. The suspects told her they were working with police at Scotland Yard and conned her into making payments totalling £170,000.00.

The advice from Surrey Police is:

– If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

– Always check the caller’s identity and telephone the company they say they are from to check that they are genuine.

– If you are concerned about a doorstep caller, please tell friends or family, or telephone the police.

– If in doubt, keep them out.

To report fraud and for further advice, please go to http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call the Action Fraud contact centre on 0300 123 2040.