A TILLICOULTRY couple lost £140 to bogus workmen this month and are highlighting the incident so others can avoid being scammed.

The conmen, believed to be a group of around three, called at Karen Blair’s door and offered their tree trimming and hedge cutting services, having already started some work at her neighbour’s.

The couple were looking to tidy their garden up anyway and agreed a price for the works on Thursday, July 5.

The group were driving a small, dark blue car and wore green branded T-shirts in an effort to dupe their victims.

They started carrying out some of the agreed works and the leader of the group, who claimed to be the boss, asked for a £140 deposit within 10 minutes.

He stated he would have to leave, but his men would stay behind to finish the job.

Except, when Karen and her husband went to check on their progress just half an hour later, they already vanished without a trace and left the garden in a state.

Karen Blair said: “They were really clever, we’ve got this 15ft hedge and they cut about 2ft into the hedge and the guy came back, allegedly the boss, he said: ‘Is that the right height?’

“I saw it, that’s perfect. And that’s all he did in that bit, then he did a bit around the back, but he left all the trees and everything in the garden and he hasn’t finished.”

She added: “We went out about half an hour later and they had all just gone.”

Karen, who recently moved to the family home, just wanted to sort the garden, but was left feeling “stupid and annoyed”.

She added: “When he said £140 deposit we were like yeah that’s fine and stupidly just handed it over and that was it.

“I mean for 10 minutes of work £140 is not bad if you can get it.”

Karen, who is just a genuine person, did not expect to be ripped off and said: “If somebody comes to your door and you see them actually cutting down your neighbour’s tree you think: well, they are obviously kosher.

“Hindsight is a great thing, I won’t be caught again!”

Police are now investigating, but Karen hopes people will avoid being scammed by highlighting the story.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Forth Valley are investigating following a report of a bogus workman incident in Tillicoultry.

“The incident happened on Thursday 5 July, when three men called at an address offering garden services work.

“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2478 of 6 July, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”