Fake police officer manipulates Blackburn pensioner into buying and handing over £38k Rolex watch in courier fraud scam

A man in his 70s from the Roe Lee area was contacted by a man who claimed to be a police officer from London on Tuesday (June 28).

The fraudster told the victim that his bank card had been cloned and used in a fraud in London.

The victim was then asked to call 161 to verify the fraudster was a police officer.

A woman – also a fraudster – falsely confirmed the man the victim had been speaking to was a police officer.

The victim was later contacted by someone who claimed to be working for a bank’s fraud team on a covert investigation with the fake police officer.

They convinced the victim to purchase a £38,000 Rolex from a jewellers in Blackburn.

The watch was later collected by an Asian man who claimed to be a police officer in plainclothes.

The fraudsters asked the victim to transfer £35,000 from his bank account but he refused.

No arrests have been made but police said enquiries were ongoing.

DC Blair Patterson, of Blackburn CID, said: “This is an appalling crime committed against a very vulnerable victim.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to identify the people involved in this fraud.”

The man who collected the watch is described as being in his 20s or 30s with black hair.

He was wearing a high vis vest, blue jeans and white trainers.

Police urged anyone who saw a man matching the above description in the Roe Lee area – or captured him on CCTV – at around 1.10pm on Thursday (June 30) to get in contact.

Local jewellers or pawn shop owners were also urged to get in contact if they were offered a gold Rolex watch with a blue dial.

Business owners were also asked to remain vigilant for any elderly or vulnerable people who ask to buy an expensive watch.

“Although they might be making a genuine purchase, they could also be the victims of this kind of fraud,” DC Blair Patterson added.

“These fraudsters have no morals and will use multiple tactics in a bid to con victims into either handing over money, their bank details or in this case a valuable watch.

“Scammers target elderly and vulnerable people so please make your loved ones aware.”

Residents were reminded that genuine police officers will never ask for your bank details, money or for you to help with investigations in this way.

If you are ever unsure about the identity of an officer, always call the police on 101.

Anyone with information should call 101 or email [email protected], quoting log number 0692 of July 2.

For help and advice about how you can stay safe from scammers, visit Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.