Scammer arrested after OAP posted £3,000 in reply to letter

A SOUTHPORT pensioner was scammed out of £3,000 after receiving a letter about fraud.

The 80-year-old man received a letter in the post, claiming to be from his bank, stating he was the victim of an online fraud and to contact a telephone number provided.

The vulnerable pensioner called the number and was instructed to withdraw £3,000 to rectify the problem.

He was also instructed to deliver the money by special delivery to an address in the West Midlands area.

The victim complied with the instructions and sent the money by special delivery.

Fortunately his family became aware of this and contacted police.

Due to the fast actions of the attending police officers, they managed to inform Royal Mail and the money was intercepted and returned to the pensioner.

Merseyside Police’s economic crime team and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) obtained a search warrant and a 26 year-old man from the West Bromwich area was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

Further cash was found on the premises and further potential victims have been identified.

The man has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Holly Chance of Merseyside Police said: “Defrauding anyone is a heinous and despicable crime – but to target older more vulnerable people is particularly upsetting and absolutely shattering for victims and their families.”

``In some cases victims have worked hard their entire lives, with a view to enjoying their retirement or passing their savings on to family, only to be preyed upon and see their savings taken.

“Their good and trusting nature can be ruthlessly exploited by criminals, and we are determined to prevent as many incidents as possible. We regularly visit the victims of fraud at home to provide additional support and advice to help prevent further offences.”

If you have, or are being subjected to fraud, or feel like you, or someone you care for, is being scammed, please get in touch.”

If anyone believes they have fallen victim to fraud they can contact Action Fraud via www.actionfraud. police.uk, call police on 101 @MerPolCC or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.