Two incidents in Deniliquin in January were reported to police.

They involved two men trying to get into the victims’ homes by claiming to be aerial inspectors from Homes Out West.

The men, one reportedly of Indian appearance and the other of Middle Eastern appearance, were wearing convincing clothing; dust coats with an aerial printed on the back.

The victims refused the men entry in both incidents, and were later told they were not affiliated with the community housing provider on calling Homes Out West.

Last Thursday an elderly woman reported a man of Indian appearance had asked for her identification and bank details after claiming to be from Centrelink.

The elderly woman asked for the name of the man, who wore sneakers, jeans, held a clip board and had a smudged and illegible name tag.

The man refused to disclose his name, then threatened to cut the woman’s payments off if she did not comply.

Later contact with Centrelink revealed the man did not represent the organisation.

Detective Insp Darren Cloake, of Deniliquin police, said the victims had done the right thing by asking for identification and calling the organisations they had claimed to represent.

“If you’ve got any suspicions, check the person’s credentials and check with the body they claim to be employed by,” he said.

“Even if you’re not affected but you do know an elderly person who may be vulnerable, please inform them.”

Insp Cloake said conmen preyed on older people, on the grounds they might be vulnerable.

“There’ s nothing like picking on the most elderly and vulnerable.

“Pensioners are struggling as it is without having someone come to their homes like this.”