A brave householder stood his ground and saw off two bogus callers who tried to con him out of £4,000.
The two conmen initially tricked their way into the man's home by saying they needed to take a look at his washing machine.
Once they were inside, they suddenly changed their tack and said they were bailiffs and they wanted £4,000.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester police, said: "The householder remained resolute and firm that he did not owe any money and was not going to pay any money. He quite rightly ordered them to leave."
Both men, who called at the house in Willowtree Court, Greenstead, Colchester, at 12.30pm on Tuesday, are described as being in their 30s.
They were both wearing black trousers, dark jackets and white T-shirts.
Det Sgt Napier said: "We have heard there is a team who are operating saying they are looking at washing machines, as opposed to the usual ruse of saying they are from the water board.
"There is no reason to let anyone in to look at your washing machine unless you have asked them to come round and look at it."
Any information to police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
By Stephen Rawlins
Reporter's e-mail: stephen_rawlins@thisisessex.co.uk
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article