Bank worker jailed for stealing £53,000 from vulnerable elderly customers
Natasha Bassi, 23, of Southampton, has been locked up for two years after swiping tens of thousands from elderly and vulnerable bank accounts. The former bank employee admitted fraud for abusing her position of trust.
£53k stolen in sneaky bank fraud
Between May and December 2014, Bassi carried out 17 unauthorised transfers from 14 customers’ accounts at Southampton Crown Court heard. The total damage? A staggering £53,219 funnelled into other accounts.
How the scam was uncovered
Her crimes came to light only after two customers spotted missing funds and raised the alarm with the bank. Police were instantly called in, kicking off a full investigation that revealed the full extent of her deceit.
Justice served – and victims compensated
Sentenced yesterday at Southampton Crown Court, Bassi now faces two years behind bars. Detective Constable Hannah Ellis from the Economic Crime Unit said:
“Bassi transferred money from the bank’s most vulnerable customers. It would have been distressing for her victims when they discovered the money missing from their accounts. Her actions also damaged Santander’s reputation.”
She added that Hampshire Constabulary worked closely with Santander to identify all those affected and ensure full compensation. The force vowed to crack down hard on financial criminals preying on the vulnerable.
