A 26-year-old man from Northolt, Ealing, has been sentenced to two years in prison after he pretended to be a Home Office fraud expert to con an elderly couple out of £4,000.
Abdi Ali, who posed as a “Jason” from the Home Office, contacted a woman in her 80s in Maidenhead, Berkshire, in September 2023. He claimed her bank account was being targeted by fraudsters and assured her that he could help prevent further theft by examining her bank card and mobile phone, which he told her was infected with a virus. Trusting him, the woman handed over both her bank card and phone to a courier.
Two days later, Ali appeared at the couple’s home, now posing as “Alex,” another Home Office fraud expert. He convinced the elderly couple to travel to their local Nationwide bank branch, where he instructed them to withdraw £4,000 for a “family holiday.” However, suspicious bank staff alerted police, leading to Ali’s arrest on the same day.
Ali, who had pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on March 21. Thames Valley Police issued a warning to the public about the dangers of courier fraud, a crime that often targets vulnerable individuals.
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, who led the investigation, described courier fraud as a “despicable” crime that exploits victims’ trust, fear of authority, and vulnerability. He urged the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls or requests for sensitive information and to verify the identity of callers by using official contact details.
“Thanks to the vigilance of Nationwide staff, this elderly couple was saved from further loss,” DI Wynn said. “This case highlights how serious these crimes are, and the sentence should serve as a deterrent to those considering similar criminal activities.”
Ali’s conviction and subsequent prison sentence underscore the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals against fraud. Police continue to prioritize the pursuit of offenders who target elderly victims, and members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activity.
To avoid falling victim to courier fraud, authorities recommend not sharing personal or financial details over the phone, remaining skeptical of requests for secrecy, and verifying the identity of callers through official channels.
Ali’s next court appearance is set for later this year, as authorities continue to investigate similar fraud schemes.
