Fraudster Jailed Over Cold-Hearted Scam Targeting 86-Year-Old
Richard Templeton, 61, from Alicante, Spain, has been slammed with a two-year prison sentence for a vicious fraud scam. The Leicester Crown Court sentenced him on June 1, 2022, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.
Heartless Conman Plays On Elderly Victim’s Vulnerability
Templeton impersonated a man named Richard Armstrong, claiming to work for Bradley Consulting Group. He convinced an 86-year-old pensioner he could release his £4 million investment locked in a Hong Kong hedge fund—if only he paid a £67,000 penalty. Thankfully, police stepped in before the victim handed over a penny.
Templeton pretended to be someone else in a cold-hearted, feeble attempt to lure the victim into a serious financial loss,” said Detective Constable Jamie Howden of City of London Police.
“The victim was targeted because of his age and financial situation. This case is a stark reminder of the lengths fraudsters will go to ruin lives.”
“I hope this conviction brings reassurance and raises awareness of such scams,” added DC Howden.
Long Con Preceded Latest Attempt
- The elderly victim had already been swindled in 2016 and 2018, investing £4 million in wealth management companies.
- Initial returns were small, encouraging the man to pour in more money before contact from those companies mysteriously ceased.
- Templeton’s 2018 approach was part of the same scam effort, aimed at extracting more cash.
Fraudster Nabbed at Airport After Flying Home
Templeton lived in Spain but made a fateful trip back to the UK in December 2021. He was arrested by City of London Police at East Midlands Airport as he tried to fly back to Alicante.
In custody, he denied all knowledge of the fraud and that he ever used aliases like Richard Armstrong, claiming he was set up. After initially pleading not guilty, Templeton changed his plea to guilty just days before trial.
This case highlights the ruthless tactics fraudsters use to exploit vulnerable people and the tireless efforts of police to stop them in their tracks.
