Police are warning of a scam where people are claiming to be arborists or gardeners and then seeking payment for work not requested or authorised. 

They warn of groups of workers (generally of Pacific Islander appearance) trimming trees or vegetation on properties and then demanding payment from the residents. In some cases they speak with the resident first, advising they have been asked by Evo Energy or the ACT government to conduct the work.

Police cite one instance, the group re-targeted an elderly woman over several days, taking her to a bank daily so she could withdraw more money to pay them.

The group may be driving a black utility with a silver tray and have been targeting residents across Canberra.

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