Scammer Abdul Ha-Meem Jailed for Targeting Elderly with Fake Police Fraud Call
Fake Detective Tricks Pensioners Out of Thousands
Abdul Ha-Meem, once of Clare Gardens, Barking, has been locked up for more than three years after pulling a heartless scam on two elderly women in June 2021. The con began with a phone call from a man pretending to be a detective in the Metropolitan Police fraud squad.
The caller claimed there had been a raid in Corby that morning, where £180,000 in fake cash was seized. He spun a tale of corruption inside local banks and convinced the victims they were part of a secret investigation.
The women were duped into withdrawing nearly £8,000 in cash for “inspection.” One half was collected the next day by Ha-Meem, who used a password – chillingly, the name of one woman’s late husband – to confirm the handover.
Police Sting Snaps Up Scammer in The Act
Suspicious, one woman phoned the real Metropolitan Police to verify the officer’s name and soon realised it was a scam. She then alerted Northamptonshire Police, who launched a full investigation.
The scammers called again, insisting Ha-Meem would return for the rest of the cash. But this time, officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit were lying in wait.
When Ha-Meem showed up, he tried to flee but was quickly nabbed and arrested.
Judge Slams ‘Low-Life’ Conman, Sends Him Down
At Northampton Crown Court on March 25, Ha-Meem received a prison sentence of three years and four months.
Detective Sergeant Simon Seed blasted the fraudster’s “callousness” and lack of decency. “This scam shows a complete disregard for elderly victims, exploiting them in their time of vulnerability,” Seed said.
“Neither the police, your bank, nor any trusted organisation will ever ask you to withdraw cash or send money. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately using a different phone.”
Her Honour Judge Lucking praised the police’s swift action, noting they were ready and waiting when the fraudsters tried to strike again.
How to Dodge Courier Scams
- A police officer will never ask you to withdraw cash during an investigation – no exceptions.
- Never share personal or financial info in response to surprise calls.
- If a call seems dodgy, hang up and contact the organisation directly on a number you trust.
- Report suspicious calls to Northamptonshire Police on 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/ro.
