A man has been sentenced to 2 years today in connection with a fraud which involved the theft of more than £270,000 from a 76 year old woman.
The victim from Sully, Penarth, had work done to her roof and driveway.
There was no issue with the work done.
But a few months later she was targeted by members of an Organised Crime Group.
She was telephoned by someone claiming she had been overcharged for the work and claiming they could get her a refund.
Over the coming months she was contacted by various people saying she still owed money on her account which needed to be paid before they could get her a refund.
From July 2008 the victim drew out a total of £272,310 from her bank account.
Some of the money was collected from her home by various individuals.
She also transferred £115,000 of the money into a bank account.
Sean White, 25, of Glenroy Street, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering in connection with the fraud at Cardiff Crown Court.
He was charged with having received £115,000 from the victim, one payment of £60,000 and one of £55,000, into his account, and then withdrawing the money and giving it to unnamed individuals.
Today at Cardiff Crown Court he was sentenced to 2 years.
The victim has sadly since passed away.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace the other individuals who made the telephone calls, called to the house to collect the money and were involved in the offence.
There is no evidence to suggest that the original building work done was connected to the later fraud.
South Wales Police is urging residents to be aware of doorstep crime and report any suspicious callers.
South Wales Police Acting Detective Superintendent Steve Benson-Davison said:
“This is one of the most serious cases of fraud we have seen in South Wales and it had a devastating affect on the elderly victim, who has sadly since passed away.
“Our thoughts remain with her family.
“I want to reassure our residents that South Wales Police is committed to tackling all criminality, particularly where offenders deliberately target vulnerable members of the community.
“This case saw a group of individuals target an elderly and vulnerable woman and steal a total of £272,310.
“In this particular case, the crime gang have offered to arrange a refund for the elderly victim, then proceeded to con her out of a vast sum of money.
“I would always urge people to be cautious when they receive unexpected phone calls from people they do not know, or have callers to their home particularly if they are offering to give you money.
“We would always urge people to be wary, and not to disclose their bank details, make relatives aware of the calls and to report anything suspicious to us.
“When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don’t open your door to them. Follow the Police Doorstep Code and contact us.
“I would advise residents to seek crime prevention advice from your officers at your local station.
“I would also ask people to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours and residents. Talk to them to find out if they have been approached by suspicious callers and call us.”
Anyone who is concerned about suspicious callers can contact South Wales Police on 101.
When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Police Doorstep Code:
- When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don’t open your door to them.
- Make sure both your front and back doors are locked.
- Ask them to post their details through your door but do not open your door.
- If you don’t know them, ask them to leave.
- If they claim to be from a utility company, ask them to call back when a relative or friend will be there with you.
- If the person refuses to go away, ring South Wales Police immediately on 999 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else that seems suspicious.
- Talk to your family and friends about this caller and consider talking to your neighbours about any suspicious activity just in case the same scam is tried on them.
