Carer Nicked £13K Off Trusting 87 Year-Old Widow

A greedy carer ripped-off an elderly widow who needed help with everyday chores out of £13,000 – treating herself to a new kitchen and bathroom.

Effat Chowdhury, 28, of Burlington Lane, Chiswick, preyed on the 87 year-old victim, who hired and paid her to provide assistance going to the local shops.

She was entrusted with the pensioner's PIN so she could also withdraw cash from the victim's bank account, but abused this for her own gain, also buying furniture, toys for her children and adventure park trips.

Chowdhury pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation at Isleworth Crown Court.

She was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment - suspended for 12 months - 200 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £1,200 in compensation.

Chowdhury gained employment as a carer for the woman, who lived on her own in a flat in Chiswick, after answering an online advert placed by her daughter in February, 2017.

She was employed to take the woman, who has mobility issues, out to the local shops and hairdressers a couple of times a week, for a total of three to four hours.

In May 2017, the victim began to notice suspicious transactions on her bank statements which she then passed on to her daughter.

These included online purchases, despite the fact the victim did not own a computer or know how to use one.

Police were informed and detectives began an investigation.

Analysis of bank statements showed Chowdhury had used the victim’s card to buy items including a new kitchen and bathroom for her house, furniture, toys for her children, tickets to adventure parks and more – totalling around £13,572.

Detective Constable Nicholas Strachan, who led the investigation, said: “Chowdhury cynically abused her position of trust by preying on an elderly woman who had come to care for her and saw her as a friend.

“She had no thought for the consequences of her actions and continued to maintain her innocence until faced with overwhelming evidence.

“We are pleased she has now admitted to her callous actions and hope this serves as some comfort to the victim and her family.”