An elderly man duped into sending the contents of his bank account to a con artist has been reunited with his cash.
Earlier this year, Northumbria Police were contacted by the family of a 68-year-old man from North Shields, who had been targeted by a fraudster claiming to work for his bank.
The victim, who suffers from early-onset dementia, was told there had been irregular activity on his account and that he needed to withdraw his money and send it to an address in West Midlands for safekeeping until it could be deposited into a new, safe account.
Read more: Police alerted to burglary after victim posts on Facebook asking for help while home is raided
When the victim later told his son he had packaged and posted his cash as instructed – the incident was reported to Action Fraud, who immediately flagged it with Northumbria Police.
A quick-time investigation was launched to trace the cash and enquiries into the origin of the call were also carried out. Officers also called on the support of their counterparts at West Midlands Police, who were able to intercept the package and retrieve the money before it reached the depot.
When the money was successfully recovered, it was then transported back up to the Northumbria Police force area, with officers able to finally return it to the victim.
Chief Inspector Phil Mcconville of Northumbria Police said: "This type of fraud is absolutely despicable as the offenders deliberately prey on people with vulnerabilities, confusing and manipulating them in order to get their cash or valuables.
"Thankfully the victim's family recognised the signs of the scam and immediately reported it meaning we were able to launch an investigation and track the victim's money in real time. And, with help and support of our colleagues in West Midlands, that cash was intercepted before it could be sent on to the offender.
"I would like to extend my thanks to all officers involved who recognised the impact this offence has had on the vulnerable victim and who ensured a swift and positive outcome was achieved. I am pleased the man has now been reunited with his cash and a number of safeguarding measures put in place to further protect him."
Inspector Gareth Snyman, from the Sandwell LPA Proactive Crime Team, said: "This was a timely intervention which helped prevent a vulnerable victim from being exploited by scammers.
"Acting on intelligence, officers from our Sandwell team were able to visit the sorting office and intercept the money before it could reach its destination. We are always more than happy to assist other police forces wherever and however we can."
Enquiries into the offence, and to trace the offender remain ongoing.
No reputable organisation will ever ask you to send cash or valuable to them in the post or using a courier. If you have been a victim or suspect a family member has, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report via their website Action Fraud.
Read next:
- Damaged Society closing down in Newcastle's Eldon Square for bigger city venue
- Two taken to hospital after being sprayed with 'unknown substance' at North Shields pub
- Driver taken to hospital after suffering 'medical episode' following crash in Walker
- Annual Tyne and Wear May Day rally draws crowds in Newcastle city centre as unions unite over cost of living crisis
- Sunderland man performed sex act over herring gull in bizarre attack that left magistrates shocked
