In a concerning trend, elderly residents in Tamworth and Lichfield have fallen victim to clever scams orchestrated by individuals posing as police officers, resulting in significant financial losses and a growing fear within the community. Staffordshire Police are urging residents to remain vigilant after two alarming incidents surfaced in early March 2025.
On March 3, a woman in her 80s from Lichfield received a series of phone calls from individuals claiming to be investigating fraud. These callers convinced her to withdraw thousands of pounds in Euros from a local Tesco store, where the woman unwittingly handed over her hard-earned savings to a man in the store’s car park.
Just a week later, on March 12, another couple in their 80s, this time from Tamworth, encountered a similar situation. They were contacted by a man pretending to be a police officer who insisted that they needed to withdraw cash for an undercover operation. Following this instruction, the couple handed over £4,950 at their home. The situation escalated when the scammer asked for an additional £30,000, which they fortunately refused, leading him to leave with the original amount.
PC Michelle Lynskey-Neal, part of the Lichfield local policing team, emphasized the seriousness of these scams, stating, "We would urge anyone who receives calls like these not to divulge their bank details and not to withdraw money. Real police officers would never ask for money from residents and would never ask for bank details over the phone."
Staffordshire Police have been actively investigating the incidents. They have examined CCTV footage as part of their investigation and have recently released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with these scams. They are appealing for the public's assistance in identifying him, highlighting the importance of community involvement in combating such crimes.
With elderly individuals often viewed as prime targets due to their potential vulnerability, police are particularly concerned about the psychological impact these scams have on victims. The trust that underpins community safety is being eroded as scammers prey on fear and confusion.
Victims are often left feeling embarrassed or ashamed, making it difficult to come forward after being scammed. However, authorities stress the importance of reporting such incidents to prevent further victimization and aid in investigations. PC Lynskey-Neal reiterated the need for vigilance among the community, encouraging individuals to speak out if they receive suspicious calls or communications.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101 and referencing incident number 397 from March 12. Alternatively, concerned individuals can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111 to support ongoing efforts to tackle these scams and bring offenders to justice.
This alarming trend of scamming elderly residents serves as a stark reminder for communities to remain alert and protective of their vulnerable members. As investigations continue, the hope is that by raising awareness and sharing information, further incidents can be avoided, and the trust within the community can slowly be restored.
As the investigation unfolds, police continue to remind the public that scams can take many forms and caution is always warranted. By remaining informed and skeptical of unexpected calls or messages requesting personal information or money, residents can help protect themselves and their neighbors from potential fraud.
