Elderly Targeted in Sophisticated Fraud Schemes Across the UK
A wave of sophisticated fraud schemes targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals has resulted in significant financial losses and, in at least one tragic case, a death before justice could be served. Recent cases highlight the evolving tactics employed by fraudsters, ranging from fake call centres to impersonation and elaborate parcel scams.
On , it was reported that a gang of six con artists were jailed for a total of more than 25 years after running a fake call centre that defrauded 14 elderly victims out of over £1 million. The operation, based in Blackburn, involved cold calling victims and posing as representatives from their bank or the police. Victims were told their cards or bank details were needed to assist with an investigation, or that they had been previously scammed and the callers were there to help.
The fraudsters employed a variety of manipulative tactics. In one instance, an elderly man in his 80s was told he was involved in a ‘special project’ and ‘sworn to secrecy’. Others were informed they were to expect a parcel, instructed not to open it, and told a courier would collect it – a ruse used to intercept funds or obtain bank cards. The stolen money was then used for lavish purchases, including watches, flights, laptops, jewellery, and 5-star hotel stays, as well as being exchanged into other currencies.
Lancashire Police launched an investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of all six individuals involved. Those sentenced included Giovanni Piras, 37, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and received a sentence of six years and eleven months in prison. Samuel Daniels, 35, also pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to five years and two months.
The prevalence of these scams extends beyond Lancashire. In Ayrshire, Scotland, serial conman Robert Markward was sentenced to nine years in prison on , after being found guilty of defrauding and stealing from nine vulnerable people. Markward posed as a nurse, handyman, and electrician to gain access to victims’ homes, stealing purses and bank cards. The total amount stolen was around £600, but the judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, stating Markward had “made a career out of crimes of dishonesty” and “specialised in preying on elderly people.”
Another case, reported on , involved Arvin Begolli, 34, from Newcastle, who was part of a fraud gang that stole more than £700,000 from elderly victims in Canada, and Australia. Begolli acted as a money launderer, recruiting students to receive packages containing money and valuables sent by the victims, who were told their bank accounts had been compromised. While Begolli cooperated with authorities and provided evidence against his associates, he received a 21-month suspended sentence and 250 hours of unpaid work.
The impact of these scams on victims is profound. One 98-year-old woman described being targeted as the “worst experience of [her] life” and losing trust in others. Another victim, undergoing chemotherapy while grieving the loss of her husband, was defrauded of her life savings and faced potential bankruptcy. The daughter of one victim stated that the crime had shaken her mother’s confidence in strangers.
On , Craig Milligan was also jailed after making more than £1m from a series of identity fraud schemes. Details of his case were shared on social media by The Telegraph.
These cases underscore the increasing sophistication and widespread nature of fraud targeting elderly individuals. Authorities are urging vigilance and encouraging family members to check in on vulnerable relatives and educate them about common scam tactics. The emotional and financial toll on victims highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect those most at risk.
