Bogus callers have been striking in the South Woodham Ferrers area.
Police have been inundated with complaints about people trying to con their way into homes.
Last Wednesday afternoon South Woodham Ferrers was the scene of a number of the incidents.
A resident in The Cedars had a man knock on his door who managed to talk him into handing over £10.
In Ormonds Crescent a man called on an elderly lady and said he was an old friend of hers, but she did not recognise him and refused to hand him any money.
A man later knocked on the door of an old lady in Main Road, Rettendon Common and claimed he was from the borough council.
He said her neighbour had bugs running up the wall so he had to inspect her house as well but he did not get away with anything.
Further similar incidents occurred in Stow Maries and Church Lane the same day.
Police advise residents to check the identification of callers and not answer the door to anybody who looks suspicious.
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