Detectives in Westminster are appealing for help to identify a man wanted in connection with a fraud committed against a vulnerable 92-year-old man.
CCTV footage and a still image released by police show a man who police want to speak with in connection with this incident. He is described by the victim as being of Middle Eastern appearance and in his late twenties.
Detective Constable James Kapp, of Westminster CID, said: “The suspect targeted an elderly man by calling him on 5 December, and convincing him that he worked for ‘The Barclays Fraud Squad’.
“Meetings were arranged in the St John’s Wood area on 5 December and again on 6 December, and the victim handed over around £10,000 to the suspect.
“The victim soon realised that he had been the victim of a fraud, but by then it was too late.”
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has information concerning this incident is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference number 4103/090218.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
For advice on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud visit https://www.met.police.uk/advice-and-information/fraud
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To prevent becoming a victim of courier fraud, and related offences such as this, police are asking the public to be aware of the following crime prevention reminders:
– Police and banks will never ask for your PIN or bank card.
– Equally, they will never arrange to meet you to exchange cash or bank cards.
– If you are contacted by someone who asks for these, hang up.
– Report any such calls to police by dialling 101. If possible, try to use a different phone to the one called by potential fraudsters; for instance, use a mobile if the suspicious call was made to your landline, and vice versa. If you need to use the same phone, wait at least five minutes for the line to clear.
– In an emergency, call police on 999.
– If you have elderly friends or relatives, please remind them periodically of the methods used by such fraudsters.
