An elderly man was coerced into withdrawing money for a man who called at his home in Ballymena and said he had run over his dog and needed to pay veterinary fees.
The incident happened at around 9pm on Thursday (10 October) at Toome Road.
Detective Sergeant Crothers said a man called at a house and the elderly occupant was informed by the man that he had run over his dog and veterinary costs had to be paid.
“Upon hearing this, the occupant made his way to a nearby cash machine in the Antrim Road area to withdraw a sum of money. The man, who accompanied him then made off upon receiving the money,” said the Detective Sergeant.
The following day the elderly man received a phone call stating the dog had passed away and money was needed for the burial.
“A sum of money was withdrawn by the man and left at a property in the town as instructed.
“Police were notified of both incidents and enquiries have established the details regarding the dog were false,” added the Detective Sergeant.
Police are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to either incident to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 2087 11/10/19.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.