AN elderly couple were scammed out of £2,500 by con artists posing as legitimate tree surgeons.

The couple, who asked not to be named, had a leaflet through the door of a company called Rayleigh and Benfleet Tree Surgeons.

They checked it over and decided it looked trustworthy as, among other things, it had a local landline number.

They booked the company to come round to their Benfleet house and give them a quote for trimming the spruce tree in their garden.

Seven men from the firm came round two days later, quoting them a price of £1,250.

The female occupant, 70, said: “They said that they had just had a cancellation and could do the work immediately.

“We probably should have realised then that something wasn’t right, but he seemed to know what he was talking about.”

Once the men had carried out the work, they asked for £2,800.

Concerned, the couple said this was over the original quote.

She added: “He had six men sitting outside and we are both quite elderly so were worried to say the least.

“My husband has angina and I could see he was getting quite upset.

“The man said he would take £300 off and we just paid it online.

“I just stood there and cried.”

The woman, who is a keen gardener, said the work had not even been completed properly.

She said: “I love gardening and sell my plants for the local primary school.

“I know about pruning and they haven’t done it right.

“When I look outside at the garden I can’t believe it.

“The tree used to block the view into next door’s but I can see into their bungalow now.”

Councillor Anne Brown, Essex County Council cabinet member for corporate, communities and customers said: “I urge residents never to agree to repairs or maintenance with traders who knock at your door. These are the sales tactics of a chancer, not a reputable trader. Check information on leaflets carefully, as rogue traders may give a false address or use a pay as you go phone which will stop working when you have a problem.We would suggest that residents use a Buy with Confidence trader. Everyone on this scheme has been audited and approved by Trading Standards.”

For more information call 03454 040506 or visit buywithconfidence.gov.uk