GMP and banking institutions are clamping down on fraudsters exploiting vulnerable victims in Greater Manchester

Date published: 19 January 2025


Greater Manchester Police have reinforced their partnership with banking institutions to tackle fraudsters targeting vulnerable residents in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.

The collaboration has been instrumental in preventing exploitation and securing arrests in cases of suspected fraud.

In a recent incident, a bank in Middleton raised alarms over an elderly man attempting to transfer nearly £100,000 to an alleged contractor. Bank staff flagged the suspicious activity to police, who intervened promptly.

Officers discovered that the victim had been transferring large sums of money over several months, paying more than £250,000 for minor home renovations such as painting. While officers were at the victim’s house, the suspect arrived and was immediately arrested on suspicion of fraud. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Detectives from GMP’s renowned Economic Crime Unit began investigating the suspect’s bank accounts. Early findings indicate that the victim’s money was spent on luxury items, including high-value jewellery and designer clothing, as well as at restaurants.

Detective Superintendent Andy Buckthorpe, from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, commended the swift response enabled by the banking protocol.

He said: “It is truly alarming to see this level of exploitation of a vulnerable man. Thanks to the diligence of the bank and their knowledge that something wasn’t right, we were able to immediately respond and make a positive arrest, but also safeguard the victim to ensure he is now protected.

“The impact of fraud has real lasting impacts on victims and their families and cannot be underestimated. As soon as we are made aware of incidents like this, we’re able to use our specialist cyber capabilities to follow the money and establish the real-world identities of these criminals, stopping them from doing any more harm.”

GMP’s banking protocol provides enhanced training to financial institutions, equipping staff to recognise and report suspicious activities effectively. This protocol has proven essential in protecting vulnerable people and ensuring rapid police intervention.

The force also relies on the dedication of fraud prevention volunteers, who engage with local communities to provide advice and support. GMP’s Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service (CECAS) has held hundreds of events in the past year, reaching thousands of residents with vital prevention messages.

GMP has one of the leading Economic Crime Teams in the UK, achieving significant increases in positive outcomes for fraud investigations over the past three years. Efforts to reduce victim losses and prevent fraud have formed a cornerstone of the force’s commitment to protecting the public.

Detective Superintendent Buckthorpe urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters, who often create a false sense of urgency. “Take five to stop and think,” he said. “Challenge the request—could it be fake? And protect yourself by contacting your bank to report any suspicions.”

Anyone who has been a victim of fraud or online crime is encouraged to report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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