Elderly man conned out of cash by thieves who offered to do his shopping due to coronavirus crisis

An elderly man was tricked out of cash on his doorstep by people claiming they were working for a team set up to help those left struggling by the coronavirus outbreak.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 18th May 2020, 17:13 BST
Updated 20th May 2020, 11:26 BST
People have been warned to be on their guard after an elderly man was tricked out of cash by people claiming to be working for the Hartlepool Support Hub.People have been warned to be on their guard after an elderly man was tricked out of cash by people claiming to be working for the Hartlepool Support Hub.
People have been warned to be on their guard after an elderly man was tricked out of cash by people claiming to be working for the Hartlepool Support Hub.

Hartlepool Borough Council has issued a plea to residents to be on their guard against fraudsters posing as good Samaritans during the emergency measures.

It comes after an elderly man was conned out of money by people posing as staff from Hartlepool Support Hub.

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The Hub – which is organised by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with other local organisations – is providing food parcels, prescription collections and other help to hundreds of residents who are self-isolating or otherwise unable to leave their home.

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On two separate occasions, individuals turned up unannounced on the victim’s doorstep, offering to do his shopping.

On the second occasion, at the end of last week, he handed over £30 and the people ran off with the money, with no sign of it or the thieves seen since.

Leigh Keeble, the council’s Head of Community Hubs and Wellbeing, said: “This was a despicable crime which has left this gentleman very upset.

“We would urge everyone to be vigilant.

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“Hartlepool Support Hub staff will never turn up unannounced on a person’s doorstep like this and take money – we will always make prior arrangements by telephone and all our staff carry formal photographic identification with them.

“If someone you don’t know turns up unannounced on your doorstep offering help or any type of service, shut the door and don’t let them in.

“If they claim to be from Hartlepool Support Hub, you can check that by calling us on 01429 272905.”

The council has produced a free advice leaflet on how to protect yourself from coronavirus fraudsters.

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It can be downloaded at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/beware-coronavirus-scams.

The hub was launched in April and has already handled thousands of calls, hundreds of food parcels and hundreds more prescription inquires.

It is also offering information and advice, emotional support and delivers shopping and newspapers.

The hub can be contacted by telephone between 10amand 4pm from Monday to Friday and 10am to noon on Saturdays by emailing [email protected].