Teen Scam Artist Jailed for Ripping Off Elderly Pensioner
A callous teenage fraudster conned nearly £14,000 from a vulnerable 85-year-old pensioner in Medway. Benjamin Lee, 18, preyed on the elderly woman, exploiting her past losses to fake rogue traders to execute a sinister scam.
Fake Police Officers Target Pensioner with Court Fee Ruse
On 18 July 2019, the victim was cold-called by a stranger claiming to be a police officer. He told her she might be due compensation for previous fraud offences. At the same time, another “officer” phoned, demanding court fees to process her case – promising the payout once the investigation was done.
Lee then showed up posing as a courier. He took £600 cash and forced the pensioner to drive to a Chatham bank, where she withdrew another £2,400.
Threatened and Bullied into Draining Bank Accounts
The following day, bogus police calls kept coming, demanding more money and threatening arrest if she refused. Lee returned, ordering her to make multiple cash withdrawals at a post office, bureau de change, and Strood bank.
Suspicious bank staff alerted police, kicking off an investigation by Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate.
Caught on CCTV, Lee Faces Justice
A media appeal featuring CCTV images led to Lee’s ID. Another victim recognised him as a so-called landscaper who was paid thousands in Chatham – but never showed up to do the work.
Lee was arrested in November 2019 and charged with two counts of fraud by false representation. At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty.
On 14 January 2020, he was sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders’ institution. Kent Police have also launched proceedings to seize his ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Police Warn Against Similar Scams
“Lee was involved in a callous scam that deliberately targeted a vulnerable elderly woman,” said Sergeant Marc Cananur of the Serious Economic Crime Unit.
“The impact of this crime is devastating – victims suffer severe financial loss and emotional distress.”
“Remember, police will never ask for money or bank details over the phone or in person. If you get suspicious calls or visitors, always ring 999.”
