A fraudster from Walsall has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for a cruel scam that drained more than £100,000 from the bank accounts of elderly victims.
The Elaborate Deception
Abdirahman Yalahow, also known as Abdi Rahman, targeted pensioners by pretending to be a bank official or law enforcement officer during phone calls. The 29-year-old, of Yew Tree Road, Walsall, spun convincing tales, claiming the victims' accounts had been compromised by fraudulent activity.
He spent hours on the phone building trust and reassuring his targets. Once he had obtained their security details, he instructed them to leave their bank cards out for a courier to collect, or to hand them over in person.
Spending Spree and Police Investigation
Yalahow then used the stolen cards to purchase expensive goods and withdraw large sums of cash, completely emptying the victims' accounts. The crimes took place between August and December last year, affecting eight individuals.
Following an investigation, police raided two properties and seized electronics, including mobile phones. Digital forensic experts examined the devices, uncovering evidence that directly linked Yalahow to the offences.
Court Sentencing and Police Warning
Yalahow admitted conspiracy to defraud at Birmingham Crown Court. He was sentenced to six years and six months imprisonment on Monday, December 22.
Detective Sergeant Angela Warren-Smith of West Midlands Police said: "Yalahow had no regard for their wellbeing and saw them merely as pots of cash to be emptied." She highlighted that courier fraud, where offenders impersonate authority figures, is becoming increasingly common.
The force issued crucial advice for the public:
- Speak to elderly or vulnerable relatives and friends about these scams.
- Report suspected fraud to your bank immediately and to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
- If you believe a fraudster is coming to your home, dial 999 immediately.
