Kingston News
Police hunt con artist who tricked Kingston pensioner out of savings
8:00am Monday 6th February 2012
Police are hunting a con artist who tricked a 91-year-old woman out of her life savings.
Marjorie Harrall, who lives alone in Kingston, was conned into handing over £400 by a man demanding payment for her Freeview box on January 26.
Mrs Harrall had the box installed for free through a Government scheme designed to help elderly people switch to digital television.
But the “despicable” scammer convinced the vulnerable pensioner the boxes were no longer free and she had to pay.
The man, said to be about 40, wearing navy clothing and a baseball cap, then fled with all of Mrs Harrall’s savings.
Mrs Harrall’s daughter, Wendy Abbott, said: “This despicable person has been conning elderly people out of their savings.
“He needs to be stopped as I would hate this type of crime happening to anyone else.”
Mary Macan, advice and advocacy co-ordinator at Age Concern Kingston, said elderly people should be wary of strangers knocking at the door or phone calls asking for money or bank details.
She advised anyone who had concerns to call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or Age Concern Kingston First Contact 020 8408 8170.
Detective Sergeant Tony Skinner, who is leading the investigation, urged elderly people to check the ID of callers and call police if in any doubt.
The Grove safer neighbourhood team visited Mrs Harrall. They have asked anyone with information to contact the team on 020 8721 2588 or call 101.