By Warning after rogue traders target elderly woman in Scunthorpe
Humberside Police have warned residents to remain vigilant after rogue traders conned an elderly woman out of thousands of pounds.
It is reported that on Thursday 20 May, a man ‘cold called’ the 87-year-old woman on her doorstep in the Ashby area of Scunthorpe.
He is alleged to have told the victim that her guttering required urgent work, before taking her to a local bank to withdraw cash to pay for the work.
He subsequently stole her bank cards.
The victim is now being supported by specially trained officers. The investigation is ongoing.
This is just one of a number of similar incidents in the area recently.
Temporary Detective Sergeant Phil Jacobs from Scunthorpe’s CID Team said:
“This unscrupulous man has taken advantage of an elderly member of our community.
“My team is providing advice and support to the victim and her family, and investigations are ongoing as we work to identify the offender. In the meantime, please beware and spread the word to protect any vulnerable members of your family or community.
“If you think you have been a victim of this sort of crime, please report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or online at actionfraud.police.uk.
“Some victims of this type of crime can feel too embarrassed to report it – but please don’t feel this way. These callous criminals are professionals, they’re experts at deceiving people. Your report will make it more difficult for them to deceive others.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Humberside Police via the non-emergency number 101 quoting log 262 of 22 May.
