Police issue scam warning after Luton resident loses £7k to conman

WARNINGS about fraud scams have been issued after more than £7,000 was taken from a Luton resident.

On Wednesday (August 12) a resident in Emerald Road, Luton, received a scam call from someone claiming to be from Hammersmith police station who said they were investigating fraudulent activity on their account.

The conman instructed the victim to withdraw a large sum of cash and pass it to a member of the ‘fraud squad’.

At around 5.20pm a man in his 20s, of Oriental appearance, who spoke English but with a foreign accent, collected the money.

When asked where his vehicle was, the conman, who was around 5’2″ and wearing a hooded top and dark-coloured bottoms, pointed towards a white taxi-style car.

PC Allan Taylor, investigating, said: “This incident has been devastating for the victim who, after handing over the money in trust, became suspicious and discovered a scam had taken place.

“This con has not only cruelly taken thousands of pounds from the vulnerable victim but has also left them distressed and fearful of the suspects returning.

“I would appeal for anyone who recognises the man or vehicle described, or who knows anything about people operating scams in the Bedfordshire area, to contact me immediately.

“Our investigations into this type of scam are on-going in the county.

“Criminals are warned that this heartless activity leaves a footprint and we will do all in our power to track those responsible.”