Police investigating the cynical swindle of a vulnerable OAP couple, who were conned out of over £4,500, have released this image of their suspect.
A fraudster impersonating a police officer contacted the Hillingdon couple on January 17, claiming there had been suspicious criminal activity on their banks cards.
They were persuaded to assist the bogus police investigation and withdrew £4,500 cash from a bank branch in Ruislip.
Once they did this a man came to their home and collected the money from them.
The following day they were contacted again and asked to withdraw monies from a Travel Exchange in Uxbridge.
The following day they were contacted again and asked to withdraw monies from a Travel Exchange in Uxbridge.
After doing this a male came to the address to collect the money.
They were also asked to purchase a gift card from a department store and, once they did, a male collected the gift card from the couple.
After this the couple contacted a relative who advised them to contact the police.
Detectives from Central Specialist Crime are investigating and are appealing for witnesses and information.
PC Carl Blissett said: “This couple truly believed they were helping with an investigation and were trying to do the right thing.
They were also asked to purchase a gift card from a department store and, once they did, a male collected the gift card from the couple.
After this the couple contacted a relative who advised them to contact the police.
Detectives from Central Specialist Crime are investigating and are appealing for witnesses and information.
PC Carl Blissett said: “This couple truly believed they were helping with an investigation and were trying to do the right thing.
“Once they realised what had happened they were, understandably devastated. I am keen to speak to the man in the photograph we have released in connection with this incident."
Anyone with information or who recognises the man in the image is asked to contact police.
No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.
Anyone with information or who recognises the man in the image is asked to contact police.
No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 5776/18JAN or Tweet @MetCC.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or via 0800 555 111.