Two arrested after bank staff report concerns

At around 10.00am on Wednesday 28^th January, we received a report from bank staff reporting concerns for a woman in her 80s who was attempting to withdraw an unusually large sum of money.

The victim reportedly took out the money to give to a man who was due to attend her home address in Guisborough later that day.

Officers were immediately deployed to the home address and they spoke to the woman's husband who reported that they had already transferred significant sums of money what he believed was an investment scheme.

Two men, aged 72 and 28, were arrested at the address on suspicion of fraud by false representation. They were both bailed pending further enquiries. 

CID officers and specialist financial investigators from North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) were deployed. 

Detective Chief Inspector Daryll Tomlinson said: “Thanks to the vigilance of bank staff, our officers were able to respond in real time and swiftly arrest two men whilst putting some immediate safeguarding in place.

“We would always urge members of the public remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police or Action Fraud. Information on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of fraud can be found on the Cleveland Police website.”

Report any concerns or suspicions to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud.