Woman charged after elderly people scammed out of thousands

The woman allegedly targeted elderly members of the public by 'befriending them before financially exploiting them for her own gain'.

Woman charged after a number of elderly people in Angus scammed out of thousands of pounds — Charged: A 33-year-old woman is due to appear in court in connection with theft and fraud. iStock

Beth Franklin

10th May 2024

Posted in

A woman has been charged after a number of elderly Scots were scammed out of thousands in Angus.

Police said a woman had targeted elderly members of the public by “befriending them before financially exploiting them for her own gain” between October 2024 and May 2024.

A four-figure sum was stolen from her victims.

A 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with theft and fraud.

The woman is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Police Scotland is urging anyone who thinks they may have been victim of a scam to contact them or their bank.

Detective constable Amanda Sharp said: “We would like to thank the public for their help with our investigations.

“Scammers go to great lengths to manipulate and exploit the most vulnerable within our communities by means of gaining a person’s affection and using that goodwill to encourage the victim to send money to the scammer under false pretences, with a view to them benefiting financially.

“It’s very easy to fall victim to frauds like these, with people understandably reluctant to come forward and report it. However, I would strongly urge that if you are a victim that you report the matter to police.

“My message to the scammers is clear, if you engage in this type of crime we will identify, trace and arrest you.

“I would urge anyone who thinks that they may have been the victim of a scam to contact their bank or financial provider and to report the matter to Police Scotland on 101.”