An elderly woman in her 80s has been targeted in a sophisticated courier fraud scam, resulting in the loss of nearly £10,000, according to West Midlands Police. The distressing incident occurred in the Graiseley area of Wolverhampton, where the victim was deceived by a criminal posing as a police officer.
How the Scam Unfolded
The woman received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a police officer, who informed her that there was a serious issue with counterfeit bank notes being deposited into her account. The fraudulent caller manipulated the victim into believing that immediate action was required to resolve the supposed problem.
Cash Withdrawn and Collected
Under the pretence of assisting with the investigation, the fake officer persuaded the elderly woman to withdraw a substantial sum of cash from her bank. She was told that the money would need to be collected by a designated 'courier' for examination. On Wednesday, January 21, the victim complied, handing over approximately £10,000 to a person who arrived at her home address.
Public Intervention Leads to Arrest
The criminals returned to the property the following day, on Thursday, January 22, in an attempt to extract further funds from the vulnerable woman. Fortunately, alert members of the public intervened upon witnessing the suspicious activity and promptly contacted the police.
Suspect in Custody
Officers from West Midlands Police responded swiftly to the scene, leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue. A police spokesperson confirmed that the victim is receiving appropriate support following her traumatic ordeal.
Police Warning and Advice
West Midlands Police have reiterated that genuine police officers or bank officials will never ask individuals to withdraw cash or hand over money to a courier. They urge the public, especially elderly and vulnerable residents, to be vigilant against such scams. If anyone receives a similar suspicious call, they are advised to hang up immediately and report it to the authorities using official contact details.
This case highlights the ongoing threat of courier fraud, which preys on the trust and vulnerability of potential victims. Community awareness and prompt reporting are crucial in combating these criminal activities and protecting those most at risk.
