Police are appealing for public assistance – and warning older members of the community – after reports of a so-called roofing scam in Sydney's Inner West.
Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command commenced an investigation following reports a man attempted to defraud a woman in Sydenham last month.
Police have been told a 73-year-old woman was home on Tuesday 3 March 2026, when she was approached by a man – claiming to be a roofer – telling her the apartment complex needed urgent repairs.
The man persuaded the woman to let him inside; it's then police believe the man accessed her personal financial details.
The following day, the man returned and drove the woman to her local bank where she gave him a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars after being pressured to pay in advance for the repairs.
The woman subsequently cancelled the cheque and reported the incident to Marrickville Police.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage of a man who they believe can assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, believed to be in his 40s to 50s; police have been told the man had a distinctive accent, possibly Irish. When last seen he was wearing a black t-shirt, a black hat and blue jeans.
Police also believe he drives a white van and is accompanied by a second man described only as being of Caucasian appearance.
Inner West Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis, is warning older people to be aware they could be targets of scammers,
"These scammers are targeting older people and claim that urgent home repairs are necessary, demanding large sums of money for work that is not needed," Det Insp Kennis said.
"We would always recommend anyone approached like this should take the time and check these people are correctly licensed; these details can be checked with authorities such as NSW Fair Trading, Service NSW.
"It would also be a wise move to get a second, independent quote from known appropriately-licensed tradesmen to be sure your house actually needs the work.
"In any case, police advise older members of community they shouldn't let strangers into their home without checking first.
"If you feel intimidated by someone at your home, close the door and contact your family or the police immediately.
"It is also important not to allow these people to accompany you to your bank or other financial institutions to for payment, as you can be vulnerable in this situation as well.
"While police do not want to alarm older members of the community, we have a duty of care to ensure they are aware there are unscrupulous people who try to take advantage.
"Be on your guard, check credentials, get trusted family members involved, and – if you feel you have been a victim of a scam like this – please call police: we will investigate," Det Insp Kennis said.
Anyone with information about incidents such as these are urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
