Maidstone Woman Jailed for Ruthless Pensioner Scam
A Maidstone woman has been locked up for over two years after ripping off vulnerable pensioners in a heartless scam involving fake police and housing officer impersonations.
Fake Cop and ‘Security’ Badge Used to Steal £700
Emma Fuggles, 45, of Roseholme, Maidstone, fraudulently swiped nearly £700 from two elderly victims after stealing their bank cards last year.
On 9 September 2022, an accomplice posing as a police officer turned up at a victim’s home at 7pm. She convinced the man he was under investigation and pressured him to hand over his bank cards and PINs, threatening arrest if he refused.
The fraudster then claimed she’d contact her sergeant and left with the cards. Meanwhile, Fuggles acted as getaway driver and withdrew £500 from a cash machine. The pair even returned the next day, wearing a ‘security’ badge, but fled when the victim said he’d called the cops.
Second Victim Targeted as Fake Housing Officer
A few days later, at 6.30am on 12 September, Fuggles sneaked into a second victim’s home posing as a housing officer. She nabbed the elderly man’s bank card and withdrew over £150 before returning. This time, the victim’s carer asked for ID — but Fuggles faked a trip to her car then sped off without it.
Justice Served at Maidstone Crown Court
Fuggles pled guilty to two theft counts, two fraud by false representation charges, and burglary. On Friday 10 February 2023, she was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars.
Investigating officer DC Mark Beeching said: “Fuggles repeatedly exploited vulnerable members of the community for her own financial gain. What’s worse, in both instances she brazenly returned to the scene of the crime to take further advantage of them. Fuggles is a prolific offender with a long history of criminal activity, so it is right that she serves time behind bars after failing to amend her ways.”
