Fraud Duo Snared in £214K Scam Targeting Elderly Scots
A ruthless pair have been slapped with prison sentences at Edinburgh’s High Court after fleecing over £214,000 from vulnerable Scots.
Thirteen Years for Mastermind Derek Moore
Derek Moore, 42, landed a hefty 13-and-a-half-year sentence for orchestrating an elaborate fraud racket. His accomplice, Julie Ann McQuade, was jailed for two and a half years for fraud, theft, and impersonating a police officer.
The Scam: Posing as Police to Steal Savings
Their dirty trick involved cold-calling mostly elderly victims, pretending to be police officers warning them of fake bank fraud. Under this guise, they convinced victims to “confirm” personal details — then drained their accounts.
Police swooped on the crooks in February 2022, raiding homes in Hamilton and Rutherglen after a long Ayrshire police probe. Both promptly admitted guilt on 31 May 2024.
Warning from the Cops: Don’t Get Caught Out
“Moore and McQuade targeted the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities, and it is right that they will now face the consequence of their despicable actions,” said Detective Inspector Ross Black, who led the investigation.
He added: “If in doubt, hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork.”
Police urge everyone to stay on high alert, as these scam calls continue to plague the nation.
