The two men said they were council employees and needed to carry out work to a tree.
Lichfield District Council arboricultural officer Gareth Hare said: "A Shenstone resident opened his front door to two men, who said they were from the council. They told him that work needed to be done to a tree in his garden, as it posed a risk to public safety. The men offered to do the work there and then for a cash payment, which he agreed to pay.
"However, we understand that the men left with the money, after doing very little work to the tree."
Lichfield District Council runs a list of approved tree surgeons, as does the Arboricultural Association.
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