Polish residents have fallen foul of a scam by fraudsters pretending to be relatives. On two occasions elderly Polish victims have been contacted by phone by Polish speaking men posing as distant younger relations. They supply names which tally with family members back in Poland and appear genuine. The victims are then pressured into lending them cash. Having arranged to meet them to collect the cash the offender then phones and changes the plan last minute, sending a friend in his place, who is also a Polish speaker, to collect the cash. Detectives believe there may have been other similar incidents that have not been reported. The first victim, a 60-year-old lost £1,000 to a conman who called at his Whalley Range home on Monday 8 December. He is described as white, in his late 20s or early 30s, slim to very slim build, approx 5ft 8ins tall, with short dark hair, clean shaven and was wearing glasses. The second victim was an 82-year-old woman who lives in Chorlton, and who was conned out of several thousand pounds yesterday, Tuesday 9 December 2014. The man who collected the money is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, 40 years old and was wearing dark clothing and a woolen hat. Detective Constable Matt Jenkinson, said: At no point did either of the victims disclose their home address or volunteer the names of their relations, so the offenders clearly have knowledge of them. That is obviously very worrying for them and is of significant concern to us. They are using the information to exploit these people and it is completely shameful and disgusting behaviour. Two families have handed over large sums that they stand very little chance of seeing again and I need to make the wider public, particularly the Polish community aware of this. If you are contacted in this way please do not be swayed by the knowledge they have. Instead hang up and call us immediately. I would also urge anyone with information about whoever is responsible to call us in absolute confidence. Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 4973.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:48:53 +0000
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