A man posing as a water official tricked his way into an elderly woman's home while an accomplice stole cash from her.
Police in Cornwall warned elderly people to be on their guard after the thieves targeted the woman at her home in Redruth.
The pair struck at approximately 11.30am on Saturday, at Close Hill near the fire station in the town.
Officers said the man pretended to be someone from the water board and asked to check the meter.
The elderly woman let him in and it is believed a second person crept into the house and stole the money while he distracted her.
The victim describes the man as being approximately 5ft 2in tall, of thin build, with short dark hair and a clean shaven appearance.
He was aged in his early 30s and wore a dark green long-sleeved jacket and grey trousers or jeans.
DC Ryan Parker said: "We would like to remind residents to ensure that any callers from utility companies show their identification, especially those who arrive without an appointment. This may even mean ringing the company using a number from the phone book to confirm they have sent staff to your address, but a genuine employee from the company will be only too happy to wait.
"If a caller is unable to provide their identification then under no circumstances should they be allowed in."
