TILTON — Police said two men tried to scam some elderly residents into paying them hundreds of dollars to repair their chimneys Saturday. A similar incident was reported Saturday in Belmont, police said.

Police Chief Robert Cormier said more than one resident called police around 4 p.m. reporting that two men were going door-to-door, specifically targeting elderly residents, claiming to be contractors.

The men were offering to “point” or repair mortar on home chimneys at a special discount, Cormier said. They offered to fix chimneys for $400, saying normally the price for such repairs would be $625.

The men, who were driving a light-colored pickup truck, told residents “that (they) happened to be in the area for another job,”

Cormier said. They told residents they were from Alton.

When one of the residents called the police, “the men jumped in the truck and took off,” Cormier said in a public statement.

Tilton police are warning residents to be cautious and suspicious of door-to-door contractors with offers that seem “too good to be true,” Cormier said. “These are typically scams and mostly prey on seniors. The scams are usually offering cheap roofing, driveway sealing or chimney repairs.”

Cormier said resident should immediately contact the police if similar incidents occur. Police have a list of reputable contractors available to residents.

“We want everyone to be proactive, alert and help us protect each other, especially senior citizens from these types of scams. On small fixed incomes, these types of scams can cause stress and financial trouble for seniors that they don't need. We will also prosecute any suspects committing these types of crimes,” Cormier said.

Police are asking residents in the area to report any similar incidents this weekend by calling the police department at 286-4442.