Police are hunting for a man who tricked a 92-year-old into handing over £10,000 after convincing him he worked for an anti-fraud team.
The vulnerable pensioner received a call from the man who told him he was phoning on behalf his bank’s “Fraud Squad”.
They arranged to meet twice in St Johns Wood, before the victim handed over thousands of pounds to the suspect.
By the time the pensioner realised he had been the victim of fraud it was too late.
Police in Westminster have now released CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak with in connection with the incident.
He is described by the victim as being of Middle Eastern appearance and in his late twenties.
Detective constable James Kapp said the suspect “targeted an elderly man by calling him on 5 December, and convincing him that he worked for 'The Barclays Fraud Squad'.”
"Meetings were arranged in the St John's Wood area on 5 December and again on 6 December, and the victim handed over around £10,000 to the suspect,” he said.
Police issued guidance stating that police and banks will never ask for PIN numbers or bank cards and will not arrange to meet to exchange money.
The guidance states that anyone who is contacted by someone who asks for these should hang up and report such calls to police on 101 by using a different phone or, if that is not possible, waiting five minutes for the line to clear.
“If you have elderly friends or relatives, please remind them periodically of the methods used by such fraudsters,” the advice states.
Anyone who has information concerning this incident is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference number 4103/090218 or contact Crimestoppers.
