Chelsea Pensioner Scammed Out of £8,000 in Shocking Police Impersonation Fraud
A ruthless scammer posed as a Metropolitan Police detective and conned a man in his late 60s out of £8,000 in cash, collected by a courier just hours after the victim was duped over the phone.
Fake Police Call Sparks £8k Theft
On May 26, 2022, the victim got a chilling call from someone claiming to be a Detective Chief Inspector at Hammersmith Police Station. The caller told him his bank card had been cloned and urged him to withdraw large sums to help with a “police investigation.”
Thrashing the scam, the victim also spoke to another voice claiming to be from his bank, further convincing him to follow instructions.
Courier Collects Cash for ‘Fingerprinting’
After multiple cash withdrawals, the victim was warned the money needed to be handed over to a courier so police could “take fingerprints from the notes” to catch the fraudster. At around 4.45pm, a courier turned up at his Swanley home and took the hefty £8,000 bundle.
Kent Police Hunt Courier – Can You Help?
Kent Police are now hunting the swindler seen in CCTV images and urge anyone with information to call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/100922/22. Alternatively, you can tip off Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111 or via their website.
Police Warn: Never Hand Over Cash or Card Details
“A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details or money over the phone,” warned PC Gareth Mahoney. “If you get a call like this, hang up immediately and wait five minutes before using your phone again to clear the line.”
“Sadly, scammers target the most vulnerable – the elderly and those with learning disabilities. Friends, family, and neighbours must stay alert and help protect loved ones from these heartless frauds.”
