A group of sophisticated fraudsters relentlessly targeted the UK’s elderly population in a highly organised bank scam that has shattered lives. Over £1.5 million was stolen from vulnerable pensioners, wiping out life savings and plunging many into financial despair. The ringleader, 33-year-old Azeem Mohammed, masterminded the scam from his luxury apartment in Salford, posing as a bank fraud investigator to trick nine elderly victims. Today, these victims are still grappling with the trauma inflicted upon them, both financially and emotionally.
A Cruel Web of Deception
The scale and sophistication of this bank scam are shocking. Mohammed’s network of fraudsters manipulated each victim with carefully planned tactics designed to earn their trust and then steal their savings. At his recent sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, the sheer cruelty and psychological manipulation these criminals used became disturbingly clear. From start to finish, they impersonated bank officials, claimed to be fraud investigators, and provided bogus assurances to lure victims into a false sense of security.
Each victim was approached with a carefully crafted story, using familiar, everyday language to earn trust. Fraudsters would call victims, pretending to be from major high-street banks, and claimed to have detected fraudulent activity on their accounts. They offered to “help” the victims by setting up new accounts. They even advised them to purchase iPhones and install certain apps so that the “investigators” could better protect them.
Victims
One of the most devastating impacts was felt by an elderly couple in their 80s, who lost over half a million pounds. The scam began with a phone call warning them about a suspicious Amazon purchase supposedly made using their Barclays account. Convinced by the urgency and specificity of the warning, the wife followed the fraudster’s instructions, eventually installing a remote-access app on her computer. From there, the fraudsters took complete control of the couple’s finances, even convincing them to open multiple bank accounts and make transfers.
The betrayal left them reeling. Their life savings, set aside for their grandson’s future, vanished in a matter of days. “Shocked is an understatement,” the woman said in her victim impact statement. “We lost our daughter to cancer three years ago, and this was supposed to support our grandson’s education.”
A Former Bank Manager Duped
Among the victims was an 84-year-old former bank manager who, despite his career background, lost £65,000 to the fraudsters. This ex-banker underwent multiple layers of “verification” set up by the fraudsters, including false phone numbers and a counterfeit website. For hours, he was pressured into following their directions, unable to rest or even take a break. He later expressed deep shame at having been deceived, especially given his professional experience. “I feel I’ve let down my family and myself,” he admitted. “I can no longer trust any financial transaction without re-checking it.”
Another victim, a widower in his 70s, fell prey to the same tactic. Living alone after his wife’s recent passing, he had no one to consult when the “investigators” reached out. They gained control of his computer and tricked him into transferring funds. He lost £40,000 before finally realising he’d been deceived. “This has shaken me to the core,” he said. “I haven’t gotten over the shock or the fear, and it will take a long time to trust anyone again.”
Use of Remote Apps
The fraudsters often used a remote-access app called Team Viewer to manipulate victims’ computers directly. Once installed, this app gave the criminals unfettered access to bank accounts, emails, and personal information. With this level of control, they set up fraudulent accounts in the victims’ names and directed funds to accounts held by the fraudsters. Police investigators often showed up at victims’ doors before they realised their savings had been stolen.
One victim received packages from the fraudsters containing gold bars, which they instructed her to forward to an address. These items were mere ruses, created to entrench the illusion of a legitimate operation further. The psychological manipulation extended to daily instructions and “reassurances” from people posing as trustworthy bank officials.
The Emotional Toll
For the elderly, the effects of such scams go beyond financial loss. Many are left feeling vulnerable, fearful, and deeply mistrustful. One victim described how the experience left him feeling embarrassed and ashamed, emotions that lingered long after the crime. Others reported a permanent loss of confidence, as well as anxiety about using technology and interacting with strangers.
In one extreme instance, fraudsters used a listening device to eavesdrop on their victims. As a couple drove past a Lloyds branch, the fraudsters, knowing their movements, phoned and shouted, “Don’t go into the bank!” The level of monitoring only heightened the victims’ paranoia and fear.
Stopping Scams
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fraud awareness and fraud prevention, especially for the elderly. With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, taking preventive action is essential. Here are several key tips to protect yourself and loved ones from similar bank scams:
- Verify Calls from Financial Institutions: Banks will never ask for sensitive information or remote access to your devices over the phone. If you receive such a request, hang up and call your bank directly using an official number.
- Be Cautious with Remote Access Apps: No bank or legitimate financial institution will ask you to install remote-access apps. These tools allow fraudsters to access everything on your device.
- Never Transfer Money to “Safe Accounts”: Fraudsters often create fake accounts to convince victims to transfer funds for “safekeeping.” This is always a red flag, as legitimate banks do not operate this way.
- Ask for a Second Opinion: Encourage elderly family members to share any suspicious requests with someone they trust. Having a second set of eyes can help identify red flags.
- Stay Informed: Read up on new scams and fraud tactics regularly. Scammers constantly evolve their techniques, so staying informed can help you stay safe.
Justice Served
Azeem Mohammed’s capture and subsequent sentencing bring some closure to his victims. After a slip-up, where he used his real name while impersonating a victim, Mohammed was apprehended by the Dedicated Card & Payment Crime Unit. This specialised police team collaborates with banks to tackle fraud. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud, defrauding his victims of nearly £1 million over three years. Judge Suzanne Goddard KC sentenced him to over six years in prison, denouncing his “sophisticated and complex” fraud as one of the worst banking scams she had seen.
The emotional and financial toll on Mohammed’s victims endures. Many have had to rebuild their lives from scratch, now with heightened caution around financial interactions. For elderly victims especially, such scams steal not only money but peace of mind, leaving a permanent scar. By understanding the tactics used in this case and remaining vigilant, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones. Mohammed’s victims remind us that anyone can fall prey to these sophisticated scams. Staying informed, cautious, and proactive is the best line of defence against fraud.
