Elderly woman conned out of £100,000 by scam artists posing as police officers and bank staff
Police are warning people to beware similar fraud in the Midlands
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An elderly woman has been conned out of almost £100,000 by scam artists posing as police officers and bank clerks.
Police said the 89-year-old woman, from Atherstone in Warwickshire, had a phone call telling her there was a problem with her bank.
Someone posing as an officer from the Metropolitan Police said the force was investigating and she was tricked into transferring the money out of her account “to be safe”.
DCI Sean Paley, from Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, said “This was a very callous and deliberate targeting of a vulnerable lady that forms part of a series of such crimes across the country.
“Whilst people are generally aware of such scams, these criminals target vulnerable members of the community.
“I would urge people to talk to close friends and relatives who they think could be at risk.”
Police warned people to beware unexpected calls and remember to ensure callers and genuine before giving out personal details.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.