Fake Cop Scams Elderly Woman Out of £18,000 and £40,000 Bling
A ruthless fraudster posing as a police officer targeted an 84-year-old woman on Saturday, February 19. Claiming she’d been involved in fraudulent activity, the scammer ordered her to withdraw around £18,000 in cash. The victim was told to wrap the money in newspaper for collection by a “courier” who would ask for a secret password.
Watch and Gold Bars Scam Exposed
Next, the crook pressured the victim into buying a £40,000 Rolex and attempting to purchase two gold bullion bars from a dodgy website. Luckily, the website blocked the first payment and alerted the authorities when the second went through.
Police have urged the public: “No police force will ever ask you to withdraw money. If someone claiming to be a cop tells you to do this, call 999 immediately.”
Teen Suspect in Custody, More Victims Sought
A 17-year-old male from Sussex is now under investigation. Officers believe others may have already fallen victim to this elaborate scam.
Anyone with information or who suspects they’ve been targeted should contact Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting Operation Pound.
