Crook Caught Red-Handed in £3,500 Scam Sting
Jay Robinson Minz, 33, from Tower Hamlets, faced Northampton Crown Court yesterday for a dastardly scam targeting an 81-year-old pensioner. Posing as a Nationwide Building Society insider, Minz cold-called the elderly man on September 2, demanding a hefty £3,500 “for the Fraud Department.”
Police Lay Traps and Nab Fraudster at Victim’s Home
The very next day, Minz showed up at the victim’s house in Harpole to collect the cash. What he didn’t know was a police squad was lying in wait. They swooped in immediately, arresting him on the spot.
Guilty Plea Lands Crook in Deep Water
Minz pleaded guilty to all charges and now waits sentencing on November 5, 2020. Detective Sergeant Simon Seed from Northamptonshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit hailed the arrest as “an absolutely excellent result.”
“Courier fraud often targets the elderly – they are made to feel rushed, panicked and overwhelmed, often handing over large amounts of money to people they believe are trustworthy,” Seed said.
He slammed the scam as “abhorrent” and “cowardly”. “Minz should feel utterly ashamed for trying to rip off an 81-year-old man,” he added.
Thankfully, the victim was no fool. He got a friend involved who quickly identified the scam and called the cops.
“Minz must have been shocked to find police waiting instead of his cash,” said Seed. “We’re committed to protecting vulnerable people and this result shows we take these crimes very seriously.”
