Fake Cop Scams Pensioner Out of £38k Rolex in Shocking Fraud
A man in his 70s from Blackburn’s Roe Lee area was conned out of a £38,000 luxury watch after being duped by a fake London police officer and fraudsters posing as bank staff.
Scam Calls Spark £38k Rolex Purchase
On June 28, the victim received a chilling call from a man pretending to be a London cop. The fraudster claimed the victim’s bank card had been cloned and was linked to a scam. To prove his identity, the victim was told to dial 161. A woman then answered, confirming the caller was a police officer – but she was also part of the con.
Later, someone posing as a bank fraud investigator phoned the victim, working “with police” on a secret investigation. Persuaded by the crooks, the pensioner was pushed into buying a pricey Rolex from a Blackburn jeweller as part of the scam.
Watch Snatched By Another Fake Officer
In a twist, the valuable Rolex was recovered by an Asian man, aged 20–30, pretending to be a plainclothes officer. Witnesses described him wearing a high-vis vest, blue jeans, and white trainers. Despite the fraudsters demanding a further £35,000 from the victim’s account, he refused to pay.
Police Hunt Fraud Ring Behind Callous Con
“This is an appalling crime committed against a very vulnerable victim,” said DC Blair Patterson of Blackburn CID. “We are urgently investigating the perpetrators. We urge anyone who saw a man matching this description in Roe Lee on June 30 around 1.10pm – captured on CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell camera – to get in touch immediately.”
“Local jewellers or pawn shops are asked to report if offered the Rolex pictured for sale, and to watch out for elderly or vulnerable customers buying expensive watches,” he added. “They could be genuine buyers, or scam victims.”
“Remember, police officers will never ask for bank details or money over the phone. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call 101 to check.”
Spot Fake Police? Contact Blackburn CID
Anyone with info should email [email protected] or call 101. Quote case number 0692, July 2, 2022. Stay safe and warn vulnerable friends and family to avoid falling for these heartless scams.
