Warwick resident urges others to be vigilant of fraudsters and scammers after incident

Residents in Warwick are being warned to be vigilant about fraudsters and scammers in the area.

The warning has come from the police and from a resident, who's wife was recently targeted in the street.

Hugh Lutley, who has also been approached by who he thinks is the same person, wants other people to be aware.

He said: "Originally I was approached by a lady as I exited the One Stop convenience store opposite St John’s House in Warwick about three months ago.

"She claimed that she had lost her return train ticket and needed money to return to Coventry, that she was happy to return the money the next day as she would be back in the area and she was happy to exchange numbers.

"The lady was well spoken and of decent appearance. Something about it didn’t seem right however and I excused myself.

"Recently my wife was approached by lady of identical description, whilst leaving the same One Stop.

"The story had a slight variation but most of it matched.

"My wife works hand making masks for NHS workers and also supplies a lot of the shops on Smith Street and had some cash, and handed it over.

"My wife is a kind soul and handed it over although she soon felt that she had been scammed.

"She returned home and told me only to find out that I knew the story already and that I also knew the description of the lady.

"I quickly left the house to see if I could catch the lady still hanging around but she had gone.

"A policewoman was later in the area outside the chip shop and I asked her what the best course of action was in this case. She told me she would make a note of it.

"I went inside the One Stop and mentioned it to the workers there. Only to be greeted with a smile. "Oh her, I know the one.”

"She had scammed £20 out of the worker at the One Stop with the same story a while back.

"My wife, of course, discussed this with her friends that live locally and found that many were aware of this woman, and that she can be seen outside the One Stop and also in Myton.

"I live in Coten End and often travel to the One Stop so I imagine I will bump into her again at some point. Ideally I would like to take a picture of her and hope that threat of identification would cause her to leave the area.

"I think it might be beneficial to raise awareness that this sort of scammer is in the area so that people can react accordingly if they are approached.

"It has been a while since I have seen her, so my most accurate description would of been of a mid to late twenties, reasonably slim and attractive lady with long blond hair. That is well spoken and doesn’t hold a distinct accent."

A spokesperson from Warwickshire Police said: "We are warning people in Warwick to be vigilant to fraudsters and scammers calling door to door or approaching you in person.

"Recently, we have received reports of a well-dressed female approaching people and asking for money for transport home.

"Although she makes arrangements to return the money, this does not usually happen."

Sergeant Danielle Bristow from Warwick Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) added: “It’s unfortunate that not everyone who calls at your door or approaches you is who they claim to be and we want the local community to be vigilant to such fraudsters.

“If someone claims to be from a charity, ask for a number or someone you can ring to check their identity and what they are saying is reliable. Equally if they are asking for money, ask yourself why?

“Many fraudsters will target elderly or vulnerable people and they can be incredibly convincing.

"If you have an elderly or vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour please make them aware that these people are not always as genuine as they seem.

“We would urge people to be on their guard as we don’t want them to be duped out of their money. If something doesn’t feel right, often it isn’t.

"Don’t be pressurised - take the time to ask questions until you are satisfied the person is genuine before handing over any money and only do so if you are completely happy.”