Con artists posing as insurance company assessors are targeting vulnerable Sydney residents affected by last month’s hailstorms.

Insurance companies have received calls from distraught policyholders who have been door-knocked by scammers demanding cash for clean-up, inspection and repair services, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says.

“This racket is generally carried out by travelling conmen and women who typically target elderly residents,” CEO Rob Whelan said. “They often claim to represent the insurance company and pressure the householder for money to inspect the roof.

“Other scammers offer special deals on repairs, demanding cash up front, and leaving the job unfinished or poorly done.

“They will sometimes offer to drive their victims to the bank to withdraw money. An insurance company representative would never demand cash to carry out an inspection.”

ICA says insured losses from the hailstorms have risen to $328 million from 50,192 claims.