Warning over fraud targeting elderly residents

Police said some victims could be unware they had been targeted

Islanders are being warned to be cautious by police who are investigating a number of fraud cases targeting elderly people.

The force said it was investigating an increasing number of cases where on-island fraudsters had convinced elderly people to give them large sums of money.

The force's investigation had shown victims had been tricked into believing they were helping someone claiming to be in financial trouble.

Police have urged people to check on elderly relatives in case they have transferred money to people they believed were trustworthy.

In some cases people, who did not realise they were being targeted, could have transferred "five-figure sums of money", officers said.

Residents have been warned to be cautious and not to be pressured into giving or loaning money in any kind of unusual circumstance.

People who believe someone they know has been targeted are asked to contact Guernsey Police's Criminal Investigation Department on 01481 222 222.