Second arrest as investigation continues into suspected fraud of elderly man

The 27-year-old man was arrested this morning (Monday 24 February).

Officers executed a warrant at a property on Ibstone Walk in Stockton and he was detained on suspicion of fraud by false representation and taken to custody for questioning.

It is the second arrest by Cleveland Police’s Economic & Cyber Crime Unit into an investigation that was reported to police on Friday 24 January.

Enquiries were conducted by detectives into an elderly person sending £3,500 to a Teesside address after fraudsters contacted him purporting to be from his bank. The package was wrapped in cling film, placed into a padded envelope, and sent by special delivery to a property in Stockton.

On Thursday 20 February, a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and released on conditional bail while enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Appleby, from the force’s Economic & Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Following an arrest last week, we have continued to gather information and evidence that has led to another man being detained and currently waiting to be questioned in custody.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage people to be aware of suspected scammers and to follow advice to protect and prevent yourselves and your family and friends from becoming a victim.”

Here are some useful tips on how to protect yourself from fraudsters and to STOP! Think Fraud:

• Use three random words when choosing passwords and ensure that they are different from your other passwords. Utilise two step verification if offered and be careful with your information on social media.
• There are several ways members of the public can help to prevent and protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud including being careful with passwords and personal information.
• If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Break the contact and get a second opinion from official routes.
• Report any incident to Action Fraud, let family members and friends know too so they can protect themselves.
• Get support through Victim Care Advisory Service (VCAS) or National Economic Crime Victims Care Unit if you have become a victim of fraud. Don’t go through this alone because in reality you are not alone and there will be other people who have been a victim.
  
  If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, please contact Action Fraud.