Bungling African Bank Fraudster Posed As Chinese Customer

A Congolese immigrant, who unconvincingly posed as a Chinese woman in a bid to extract £550 from the victim's bank account, was jailed for six months yesterday.

Single-mum Angel Makizembi, 52, of Trulock Court, Trulock Road, Tottenham was trapped by suspicious bank staff and more stolen cards were found on her when searched by police.

She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Halifax, High Street, Sutton on March 14, namely that she was entitled to withdraw funds from the account of Miss LP Chung.

Jobless cleaner Makizembi also pleaded guilty to six counts of handling stolen bank cards belonging to women, who had all been expecting replacements in the post.

Prosecutor Miss Shahnaz Ahmed told Croydon Crown Court (pictured): “The defendant went to the bank with a genuine card in the name of another woman and tried to withdraw money.

“Staff were suspicious and called the police and when the defendant was arrested and searched five other cards were found on her.

“All of those customers were awaiting replacement cards in the post so there is a strong suggestion these cards were intercepted.”

Makizembi, who has previous convictions for similar offences, claims a mystery man known only as 'Olo' supplied the cards and promised her a £50 commission on successful withdrawals.

She admitted making three similar unsuccessful attempts to withdraw cash from banks with the cards.

Judge Daniel Flahive told Makizembi: “It strikes me that you do not learn from non-custodial sentences and you have continued to offend in this way.

“You have been to the courts time and time again and it seems you will not learn otherwise.”