BOGUS workmen have targeted several homes in Peebles, with one homeowner being conned out of cash.
The man was approached by another man with the offer of resurfacing his driveway on Sunday.
With a price fixed between the pair, workers started on the project and a large proportion of the agreed sum was paid.
However, the team of contractors disappeared in their vehicle shortly afterwards, having not completed the work, and have not returned since.
Another Peebles resident was also targeted by the scammers.
She told TheSouthern: “A man was walking along the street with cards in his hand and asked if I was interested in having my driveway tarmaced.
“He said he had agreed to resurface another driveway, so if they did both at the same time the price would be cheaper.
“He then went away and produced a portfolio of his work, which was impressive, but considering it now, it could easily have been photos of work by someone else.
“I spoke to a neighbour and I decided against it, and it was only when I saw the police that I discovered someone had been taken in by the man.
“The man I spoke to had an Irish accent and was very convincing.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said the workers used a white Ford Transit flat-bed van with a red and yellow strip around the cab.
He added: “Officers would like to hear from anyone who has been approached in similar circumstances or who has seen the Transit van described.
“Police would appeal to the people of the Scottish Borders to consider how they employ tradespeople to carry out work to their property.
“We suggest that they utilise local businesses or those who have been recommended by friends or family.”