Scammer Jailed for Targeting Elderly Victims in Brazen Bank Card Fraud
Mohammed Koita Snatches Bank Card, Hits Victim’s Account
Mohammed Koita, 22, from Ilford, was locked up after admitting two fraud offences targeting elderly people. At Bromley Magistrates Court on 23 September, Koita pleaded guilty to scamming two pensioners out of their money by impersonating bank officials and stealing their bank details.
He was sentenced to six months in prison for each count, to run concurrently, plus a £122 victim surcharge.
In the first attack on 18 December 2019, Koita called a 70-year-old man pretending to be from Barclays. Claiming there were issues with the victim’s bank card, he arranged a “collection” the next day.
The next day, Koita turned up at the man’s Bromley home, snatching the card from his hand when the victim hesitated. He then fled in a black VW. CCTV caught him moments later using the stolen card to pay £20 for petrol.
Officers later recovered a distinctive red puff jacket Koita wore on CCTV from his home during a search.
Second Victim Duped by Fake NatWest Operatives
The second victim, an 84-year-old woman in Dorset, received a call from a fraudster posing as ‘David Stirling’ from NatWest. She was told a courier named Simon would deliver a new card, quoting a fake security code “CMO12.”
Shortly after, a man claiming to be ‘Simon’ arrived with an envelope. Instead of a new bank card, it contained a Google Play gift card. The victim was told it was “a thank you” for her loyalty.
During the con, she handed over her real bank card and PIN. Within 30 minutes, £100 was withdrawn from her account via an ATM in Westbourne.
Police found Koita’s fingerprints on the envelope, sealing the case.
Detective Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Crimes
Detective Scott Pounder from the Met’s North East Economic Crime Unit blasted the scammer:
“These were cowardly crimes committed against vulnerable elderly victims. Frauds like this often go unreported because victims feel embarrassed. Koita layered calls and fake details to trick them into believing he was genuine.”
“Thanks to overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty, sparing the victims the trauma of a trial. While no physical harm was done, emotional damage from crime at home runs deep. We hope this sentence brings the victims some closure.”
Koita’s two six-month sentences will run concurrently, ensuring he serves six months in prison for the scams carried out against elderly victims in Bromley and Dorset.
