Police hunt conman who dressed up as a woman
A DESPERATE con man dressed as a woman to dupe bank staff into releasing funds from a pensioner’s account.
The heartless fraudster managed to swipe over £10,000 from the account after tricking the elderly woman into giving away her bank card and PIN number.
He wore the disguise as he withdrew the funds at various banks, including one in Cleland.
The hustle started last month when the 76-year-old woman, of Glasgow, received a phone call regarding her account.
Over subsequent conversations, the woman was convinced to part with her card and a ‘courier’ was sent to collect it at her home.
Money was then withdrawn from the account at several banks, including the Royal Bank of Scotland on Cleland’s Main Street last Thursday morning.
A police investigation has been launched and CCTV footage is being checked. Witnesses who may have seen the man at the Cleland branch are urged to come forward.
He is described as being aged between 53 and 60, 5’10”, of medium build with a square jaw. He is said to have a Scottish accent and is politely spoken.
Local officers urged residents to be aware of such cases of fraud and warned never to disclose PIN numbers.
PC James Ruddell, of Wishaw Police Office, said: “No bank staff know your PIN and they will never ask for it. We would urge all account holders to be extra vigilant. Never write down your PIN number and never tell anyone it. Your PIN number is yours and yours alone.”
Anyone with information regarding the man is urged to call Wishaw Police Office on 01698 202600 or Crimestoppers free and confidentially on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Motherwell, Scotland
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
