Woman wanted after pensioner loses £40k in fraud

A woman is wanted in connection with a "cruel and heartless" courier fraud that cost an elderly Pershore resident about £40,000.

Police said the 89-year-old victim was targeted between 15 April and 30 May 2024.

The fraudster posed as a police officer and convinced the victim that their help was required for an investigation. They made contact over the phone and in person, during which the victim was pressured into handing over large sums of cash.

Detectives have released an image of a woman they want to identify as part of the investigation, and Crimestoppers is awarding up to £2,000 for information.

Alan Edwards, regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: "This was a cruel and heartless crime that exploited the trust of an elderly victim. We're appealing to anyone who recognises the woman in the photo.

"It may be that she is close to you, but with Crimestoppers and our anonymity guarantee, no-one will know you contacted us."

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