An elderly Masterton man was charged $3500 for just two hours of gardening work after a group of strangers carried out a “shoddy” job.

Following the incident, the police have issued a warning urging people to be wary of unsolicited tree trimmers or gardeners showing up at their doorsteps.

Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom said scams similar to this were a semi-regular problem, and people often did not realise what they were going to pay until after the work was done.

Thom said recently three people showed up at a man in his 70s’ Masterton address.

They cut some branches, trimmed a hedge and charged $3500 for two hours’ work.

“They’ve driven the man, who’s in his 70s, to the bank so he can withdraw the money.

“It should’ve been a $600 job. These people take advantage of vulnerability and tend to target elderly victims or people who can’t do the work themselves,” Thom said.

He said it could be helpful to have conversations with older relatives or neighbours and make them aware that there are “charlatans who will try to get every dollar they can out of people”.

Thom urged people to shop around and get recommendations from friends or family.

“Take your time and make sure you’re not going to fall victim to these opportunists,” Thom said.

How to avoid being swindled

• Get recommendations from friends and family – and always get at least two quotes, in writing.
• Check the reputation of the business online, and check their credentials.
• If someone can’t give you a written quote for their work decline their services.
• Be aware of those who resort to stories about coming back to do more but that they need the payment now.
• Take your time finding the right person to do the job – if they’re putting pressure on you, it’s likely a bad sign.