Pensioner tricked into sending cash to UK warns others of scam 'pandemic'

76-year-old shares her story with Manx Radio

A pensioner from the Isle of Man who was duped into sending money to fraudsters in the United Kingdom says she wants to help educate other people.

76-year-old Maureen made headlines last month after - miraculously - being reunited with her cash after police here joined forces with their UK counterparts.

She was targeted by someone claiming to be from her bank who told her that her account had been compromised:

After alerting the police to what had happened they contacted Northamptonshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit who launched a ‘fast-track’ investigation.

The parcel she’d sent – adorned in its Christmas wrapping paper – was delivered to an address in Far Cotton where it was taken in by a woman.

The next day it was collected by a man and a woman.

Police went on to make four arrests in total and intercepted the parcel which was then returned to the Isle of Man.

Detective Constable David Thommeny, from the Isle of Man Constabulary, says fraudsters like this will prey on anyone in a bid to get people to part with their money:

Now, keen to raise awareness of scams like this, Maureen is visiting Mothers’ Union groups around the Island to tell her story and warn others to be more vigilant:

And for anyone who thinks they could be a victim of fraudsters – the message is clear:

Northamptonshire Police have confirmed the two men – aged 27 and 30 - and two women – aged 19 and 25 – who were arrested in connection with this case have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.