Fraudsters target the elderly
“At the start of May 2024, City of London Police’s Lead Force Operations Room (LFOR) led the coordination of a two-week intensification period on courier fraud.
Across the two weeks, there were over 100 referrals from 26 forces across England and Wales. LFOR then acted as a temporary “command centre” to help support forces with the dissemination of referrals whilst also providing tactical support.
Financial losses during this period amounted to total over £290,000 with one victim losing £56,000. The majority of offences (70%) involved criminals pretending to be the police and in 22% of cases they pretended to be from their bank.
Approximately 85% of victims were aged 60-90 years old; 31.5% were in their 70’s and 33% were in their 80’s. The oldest victim was 94 years old.
Five suspects were arrested, and enquiries are ongoing.”
I was on ITV London News discussing this yesterday (28 May 2024) and advised making a checklist for friends and family who are vulnerable and leaving it on the door. see more:
Doorstop fraud and how not to fall victim
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