Greater Manchester Police are currently hunting a fraudster who has been targeting elderly residents in Bolton with a fake police scam. Since April 4, there have been five linked incidents across areas including Little Lever, Horwich, and Westhoughton.
The scam involves the perpetrator calling victims from a withheld number, pretending to be a detective investigating bank fraud. The suspect instructs mainly seniors in their 70s and 80s to withdraw cash amounts ranging from £2,000 up to £70,000 for the supposed investigation.
Following the phone calls, a person described as a “colleague” of the fake detective arranges to collect the cash in person. This individual often wears tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie. So far, in two cases, the crook has successfully stolen over £6,000 in cash.
Detectives believe that a single man is behind this series of frauds, deliberately targeting vulnerable elderly people. The police are appealing for anyone who may have been approached or has information about the scam to come forward, particularly those in Bolton and surrounding areas.
Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purtill warned, “Impersonating a police officer to defraud innocent community members is an appalling offence. We urge anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted by this scam to contact us online or via 101. Remember, no genuine officer would randomly ask you to withdraw money.”
If you have been affected by this scam or noticed any suspicious activity, you are encouraged to report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, you can contact Greater Manchester Police through their LiveChat service or by calling 101.
Originally published by UKNIP.
