SCAM artists are preying on elderly residents in Collie and elsewhere in the South-West.
Collie resident Joy Shepherdson answered a phone call several weeks ago by a woman who didn't state her name but claimed to be calling from Seniors, a lobby group for older Australians.
"At first I didn't think anything of it and wasn't suspicious.
The woman said she was carrying out a survey on behalf of the organisation and proceeded to ask Mrs Shepherdson a whole lot of medical questions.
"She spoke very quickly, didn't give any other details and I struggled to hear her because I didn't have my hearing aid in," Mrs Shepherdson said.
"At first I didn't think anything of it and wasn't suspicious.
"Then a week later another woman, who also didn't give her name, rang me and said that a representative of the company by the name of Gary was in the area and asked if I would like him to pay me a visit which I agreed to
"We made an appointment for 12pm on Tuesday but "Gary" never arrived.
"The woman then rang me and said "Gary" would be there later but I told her that I was feeling sick and wanted to cancel the appointment.
"If this happens to you, please call the police immediately as these people are ruthless and have no morals about targeting the elderly," Sgt. Dean said.
"She then said that she would call me back in a week's time and make another appointment.
"However, I was watching TV when I saw a news piece on some scam artists who have been targeting other elderly people by trying to sell them dodgy medical equipment at inflated prices in the South West region.
"I also remembered that I was already getting all the health advice I needed from Silver Chain."
Mrs Shepherdson then contacted the police who told her not to open her door if "Gary" came again but to ring them immediately and they would remove him from the premises.
Senior Sergeant Mike Dean said the majority of these scams originated overseas and warned the public to be vigilant.
"If this happens to you, please call the police immediately as these people are ruthless and have no morals about targeting the elderly," Sgt. Dean said.
