Fraud

Hello all, 

Although we are having a good run of no crime lately, may I please bring the following crime to your attention and please share this with any elderly relatives or vulnerable adults.

An elderly resident living on Emerson Park has reported being a victim of fraud to Police.

I believe that most of you are aware of the scam where a phone call is made to an elderly/vulnerable person and the caller identifies themselves as a Police Officer/Sgt from Hammersmith Police Station or a Police Station in London. 

Suspect said ‘we have an individual in custody who is claiming to be your nephew. We are investigating counterfeit money’. 

To cut a long story short, victim was convinced they were helping with the investigation by withdrawing £4500 from their savings account and told not to trust the staff at their bank, as Police believe that someone there is involved with counterfeit money. Tell the staff you need the money for the plumber, as you are having your bathroom remodelled. 

The suspect stays on the line the whole time and tells the victim to say hello, should she wish to speak with him.

Suspect then asked the victim to drive the cash to Cambridge, so this can be analysed. Victim refused, saying it is too late and it will get dark. Suspect expecting this answer, then arranged a courier to collect the money from the house. He told the victim to put the money into a sealed envelope. Then he set up a password with the victim and told them to ask the courier for the password and not say a word more. The courier arrived within 5 minutes and collected the money.

Police will never phone you and ask you to help with an investigation, other than you providing cctv footage or taking a statement from you. 

Police will never ask you to withdraw money from your bank account!

If you feel that you are being rushed into doing something, please stop and think. There are many types of fraud and any one of us can potentially be a victim. 

For further advice, go to www.actionfraud.police.uk

Stay safe Emerson Park