Police said a 75-year-old man was targeted by someone who offered to fix his roof for him in Chapel Street, High Valleyfield, and that a “considerable” amount of money was handed over before the work was finished.

Officers investigated the incident and a man has now been charged and is due to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Monday, October 5.

Detective Inspector Karen Muirhead, of Dunfermline CID, said: “This type of activity often affects vulnerable and older people and we are committed to robustly investigating these crimes and dealing with the persons responsible.

A 39-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.

“People can take some simple but effective steps to protect themselves. If someone turns up on your doorstep unannounced, offering to undertake work please ask for identification, do not make on the spot decisions and never hand over any money before the work is completed.”

It is understood a four figure sum was taken in this case.

Man, 39, charged after Fife pensioner defrauded by ‘roofer’ for large amount of money