Fake cop scam targets pensioner in £18,000 withdrawal con
Fraudster poses as police to rob 84-year-old
A ruthless fraudster pretending to be a police officer conned an 84-year-old victim on Saturday 19 February. Claiming her bank account was under investigation for fraud, the crook ordered her to withdraw around £18,000 in cash. She was told to wrap the notes in newspaper and hand them over to a courier who’d request a password before collecting the package.
Scammer ups stakes with £40,000 Rolex and gold bars
The victim was then pressured into buying a £40,000 Rolex watch and two gold bullion bars from a dodgy website. Luckily, the gold bullion site blocked the first payment attempt and alerted police after the second try went through.
Courier arrested as police catch the thief red-handed
Officers arrested the courier while he was picking up the gold bars. Detective Constable Thomas Hawkins slammed the scam, saying:
“This is a truly shocking crime which preys on some of the most vulnerable members of our community who genuinely believe they are speaking with a police officer. We fear this person may not be the only one who will have fallen victim to this scam and we are urging anyone who thinks they may have gone through a similar experience to contact us.
It is important to reiterate that no police force would ever ask you to withdraw money from an account. If someone claiming to be a police officer asks you to withdraw money, call 999 immediately.”
Teen from Tower Hamlets held in fraud swoop
A 17-year-old male from Tower Hamlets, East London, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. After questioning, he was released on conditional police bail until 24 March. Sussex Police are continuing their investigation under Operation Pound and believe more victims may still be out there.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Pound.
