Elderly homeowners have been warned to be on their guard after a man tricked his way into a house in Seaford.
The resident allowed the man in after he was shown a key fob with the word "police" on it.
When the resident asked to see formal identification the man left.
Nothing was taken from the house in Chyngton Avenue on December 4.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Householders should be aware of the tactics this man used. He is neither a police officer nor a police official. Sussex Police staff do not cold-call people to give crime prevention advice.
"Our advice is keep your security chain on while you check the identity of the person with the organisation they claim to represent."
Police believe the man tried to enter other houses in the area using the same tactic.
He is described as white, 5ft 5in, of medium build and balding with short hair and a round face.
He wore a black leather jacket, green jumper and blue jeans.
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