Police are advising the public to carefully scrutinise anyone showing up at their home offering to do work around their house — especially if they request payment up front.

The warning comes after Police were informed that a man, described as light-skinned, believed to be in his 40s, has been visiting various homes claiming he's a roof painter.

And once he is paid in advance for the job, he never shows up to actually carry it out.

A Police advisory yesterday cautioned: "In light of this we are reminding all members of the public, particularly our senior citizens:

? To beware of people coming to your door offering to do jobs around the house and asking for payment in advance or offering to do something for nothing.

? Don't rush into anything involving money or property

? Before signing a contract, consult a trusted person in authority (such as a lawyer or bank official) and have that person examine the papers on your behalf."