The woman and her husband, who live in Hazeldene Road, Goodmayes were duped by a pair of rogues who said they were working on an adjoining home and had found damp and needed to drill for problems.

The two men, who were working out of a white van, appeared to examine the rear of the property before drilling several holes, from which water appeared on Monday.

They demanded �2,000 cash but accepted �500 and then departed leaving the rear wall with several holes, saying that they would come back two hours later.

The 80-year-old, who did not want to be named, said: “They seemed like such nice people and showed us the work they were going to carry out. I was going to speak to my neighbours before proceeding but they said they were out.

“I am absolutely shocked and mortified. My husband hasn’t been very well and I think this is why we were a little more gullible than normal as we are usually so careful.

The couple had been out shopping before they returned to find the two men outside the property.

“We are so embarrassed after what has happened and although we might be the only ones we don’t want this to happen to anybody else who might be as silly as we were.”

Goodmayes Residents’ Association chairman, Keith Stanbury said: “I am very angry that this has happened again. Poking leaflets through doors does little and we’re all guilty of chucking leaflets in the recycle bin without reading them. I want people to warn their neighbours.”

A crime and disorder meeting will be held at All Saint’s Church, Goodmayes Lane, Goodmayes at 2pm on March 19.