Bank Card Scam Courier Jailed for Two Years in Essex Fraud Spree
Albino Chaves, 24, has been locked up for two years and four months at Chelmsford Crown Court after pleading guilty to nine counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and three counts of conspiracy to defraud.
Targeting the Elderly with Fake Bank Card Swaps
Between March and April this year, Chaves played a key role in a callous scam that targeted elderly victims aged 70 to 90 across North Essex, Epping, and Sudbury. Scammers cold-called victims, claiming to be from their bank and telling them a courier would arrive to swap their bank card for a new one – sometimes even dangling gift vouchers as bait.
Chaves acted as the courier, collecting old cards from victims’ homes. Police caught Chaves on CCTV and linked him to the crimes through forensic evidence, leading to his arrest on 14 April.
Police Nab Courier During Second Attempt
Chaves was initially released on bail but remained under close watch. On 23 April, a woman in Frinton grew suspicious during a similar scam call and alerted her daughter. When the fraudster insisted a courier would soon arrive, she hung up and called police.
Officers staked out the property and also responded to another victim reporting a card had already been taken. Their suspicions heightened when they stopped a black Mercedes cruising the area. Inside was Chaves, whose phone revealed incriminating messages discussing both victims.
Police Warn Public to Stay Alert
“These were really callous and distressing crimes,” said Detective Constable Hollie Hughes of Clacton CID. “The fraudsters used the national coronavirus restrictions to convince victims that card collection was legitimate. Victims lost between £300 and £4,000 each. I hope this sentence brings some justice to those affected.”
DC Hughes urged the public to remain vigilant and remember: banks will NEVER ask for cards, money, or PINs to be handed over or sent by courier or taxi. “Challenge anyone who asks – genuine callers won’t mind. If suspicious, hang up, wait five minutes, and call your bank from a different phone to verify.”
Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101 or report online at essex.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
