Fraudster Jailed for Targeting Elderly in Heartless Bank Scam
Fake Bank Manager Preys on Over-80s
A ruthless scammer posing as a bank manager tricked elderly victims in Essex, stealing their bank cards and cash. Mohamed Koita, 22, from Ilford, was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court last Friday after admitting five counts of fraud by false representation.
Holiday Season Scam Hits Chelmsford and Maldon
Between 26 December 2019 and 16 January 2020, Essex Police investigated a spree of courier frauds across Tillingham, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Springfield, and Galleywood. Victims aged 81 to 85 were cold-called by a man claiming to be their bank manager, told their cards were cancelled and needed urgent replacement.
Within half an hour, Koita — using the alias “Harry” — arrived to collect old cards. On three occasions, he swapped valid bank cards for useless cancelled or gift cards, while also gaining PIN numbers to withdraw cash.
Police Nab Fraudster with Stash of Stolen Cards
Koita’s run ended on 3 January when officers stopped a vehicle in Chelmsford and found eight bank cards, six gift cards, phones, and a card reader inside. Investigating officer DC Ross Thompson slammed Koita’s cold-hearted crimes, carried out during the festive period when trust is high.
“Koita preyed on the victims’ vulnerability, swapping active cards for dead ones and convincing them to hand over PINs so he could swipe cash. On two occasions, relatives challenged him and took photos of his car. Now he’ll pay for his cowardly actions behind bars. Remember: never give out your bank details by phone, no matter how convincing the caller sounds.”
