Another elderly Southport victim stung by financial scam

Local Officers in Southport attended another elderly victim of a financial scam earlier this week.

On this occasion the victim had been ‘befriended’ online via Facebook Messenger and after several months of building trust, was introduced to someone who was able to offer ‘grants’ of up to £25,000. In order to obtain the grant an upfront payment was asked for by the suspect. Over time the victim parted with approximately £10,000 in the belief that the £25,000 would ultimately be paid to them. Of course, the promised money never came.

This is just another example of the multitude of scams that are occurring every day, mostly targeting elderly or vulnerable members of our communities. Trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and never trust people you have never met in person, or that are not from a reputable company that you have researched.

You can find out more and help raise awareness of scams by becoming a ‘Friend Against Scams’. For more information go to www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk

To report a fraud or scam online go to https://goo.gl/qf76Q7