Conviction after elderly Swadlincote man conned by police fraudster
The victim aged in his 80s was pressured into withdrawing cash
A man has been convicted of fraud after he conned an elderly Swadlincote man out of thousands of pounds of cash.
The victim, who was aged in his 80s, received a phone call out of the blue from someone who claimed to be a Detective Inspector from Guildford police and said there had been fraudulent activity on his bank account.
They convinced and pressured him into withdrawing cash from a local bank so they could check the notes and serial numbers were not counterfeit, and said that he would get the money back on a bank card over the next few days.
The man was told to keep the scammers on the line throughout his journey to the bank so they could hear the transaction taking place.
He was then told to hand it to an officer, who would come to his door so that he could assist their investigation. They set up a password to try and make the scam appear legitimate.
Ezekiel Gilbert Smith, of Collingham Road, Kensington, London, posed as that so called officer at his door. He drove from London and went to the victim’s home in Coton in the Elms with the password, wearing a high vis jacket, dark clothing and a mask over his face.
The victim received further calls over the next few days, this time from someone claiming to be a Superintendent from a made-up serious fraud team at New Scotland Yard, pressuring him to transfer more money but he became suspicious and reported it to Derbyshire Police.
Gilbert Smith was tracked down by officers following phone, CCTV and vehicle enquiries, and he was subsequently charged with fraud by false representation.
The 26-year-old man was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 18 months on Wednesday 5 April.
Officers are continuing to work with the victim and his bank to try and recover the money he lost.
DC Hazel Bunting, of the force's Economic Crime Team, said: “This type of crime is often known as courier fraud, where ruthless criminals target some of the more vulnerable and trusting members of our community.
“Police officers will never ask you to hand over cash, transfer funds or send money via courier or by someone turning up at your door. Neither would your bank. If you ever receive a call like this, hang up and report it immediately. Speak to someone you trust before you give any personal information or hand over money.
DC Bunting added: “I would like to praise the victim for the courage they showed in admitting what had happened to them, reporting it and supporting the case. We hope by sharing this case that we may try and prevent future incidents and show that we are committed to investigating and bringing offenders to justice."