Conmen took a 67-year-old Falkirk man to the bank to withdraw more than £1,000 for work on his house that was never even started, police have said.
Three bogus builders called at the house in Marchmont Avenue and persuaded the owner to have the work done.
Central Scotland Police said householders should not pay for jobs until they are complete, unless a contract has been signed.
The force has appealed for information about the trio.
One is described as being about 5ft 7in tall with short blond hair which was spiked into the centre. He was wearing a black top with multi-coloured logos or badges and blue jeans. The second man was described as being about 6ft and was wearing a dark hooded parka-style jacket. The third was said to have brown short hair and was about 5ft 8in tall.
The trio called at the house between 3 and 8 October.
A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said: "One of the men even took the elderly man to the bank to withdraw money. We strongly urge householders to turn cold callers away.
"If you are needing work done to your house then get quotes from reputable tradesmen and don't rely on those who cold call. Check out recommended, vetted and continuously monitored trades & service providers at www.checkatrade.com
"No reliable tradesman will take the customer to the bank to withdraw funds. Under no circumstances should payment be made until the job is completed - unless by prior arrangement when a contract has been signed."
The spokeswoman also said that by law there was a "cooling off period" after agreeing to work to allow people to change their mind.
Three bogus builders called at the house in Marchmont Avenue and persuaded the owner to have the work done.
Central Scotland Police said householders should not pay for jobs until they are complete, unless a contract has been signed.
The force has appealed for information about the trio.
One is described as being about 5ft 7in tall with short blond hair which was spiked into the centre. He was wearing a black top with multi-coloured logos or badges and blue jeans. The second man was described as being about 6ft and was wearing a dark hooded parka-style jacket. The third was said to have brown short hair and was about 5ft 8in tall.
The trio called at the house between 3 and 8 October.
A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said: "One of the men even took the elderly man to the bank to withdraw money. We strongly urge householders to turn cold callers away.
"If you are needing work done to your house then get quotes from reputable tradesmen and don't rely on those who cold call. Check out recommended, vetted and continuously monitored trades & service providers at www.checkatrade.com
"No reliable tradesman will take the customer to the bank to withdraw funds. Under no circumstances should payment be made until the job is completed - unless by prior arrangement when a contract has been signed."
The spokeswoman also said that by law there was a "cooling off period" after agreeing to work to allow people to change their mind.
Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.
