Andrew Evans, a convicted fraudster, posed as a campervan salesman to deceive an elderly man. Stealing over £50,000 from him in the process. Brian Langton, a pensioner, was manipulated into applying for loans, pawning his valuables, and making cash withdrawals. This occurred on over 150 different occasions, leaving him unable to pay his heating bill.
The Scenario: A Tricky Con Artist at Work
At 55, Evans had previously worked at a motorhome dealership but was dismissed in 2019. This after he was suspected of embezzling customer deposits and other funds. During his time at the dealership, he sold a VW campervan to Mr Langton for £28,000.
In June 2020, Evans visited Langton’s property and started discussing the possibility of purchasing a new Renault campervan. Langton informed Evans that he could not afford a new vehicle, but Evans promised to arrange the sale of his old VW campervan for a reasonable price.
Evans tricked the pensioner into buying the new £38,000 campervan by telling him that he would receive £13,000 for his old VW van. Soon after, Langton started to make payments towards the new campervan by regularly visiting the cashpoint, always accompanied by Evans.
Langton paid Evans around £1,000 per month, plus additional sums of money that were demanded for expenses such as road tax, insurance, and delivery costs. These ever-increasing costs left Langton with very little money to manage his daily finances, causing him many sleepless nights.
In December, Langton was introduced to someone whom Evans claimed would buy his VW campervan for £13,000, with £5,000 upfront. Langton immediately withdrew £2,500 and handed it over to Evans.
The Aftermath: Losses, Relief and a Custodial Sentence
In total, Mr Langton lost over £55,000 – £37,650 in cash withdrawals, £400 from the sale of valuables, and a loss of £17,000 on his VW campervan. Santander has since reimbursed him for the cash withdrawals. The situation came to a head when Santander contacted Mr Langton to inform him that he had been the victim of fraud.
Langton expressed his relief when the police got involved, fearing the nightmare would make him lose his home. The court sentenced Evans to five years in prison, and he might also have to repay his ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Fraud Prevention: Protect Yourself from Deception
The scenario involving Andrew Evans and Brian Langton highlights the importance of fraud prevention in the UK. If you suspect that you may be the victim of fraud, it’s crucial to report it immediately. Always be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those that involve giving out personal or financial information.
Fraudsters often target the elderly or vulnerable members of society, so it’s important to educate yourself and those around you about the various forms of fraud and how to avoid them. Keep your information secure. Be wary of unexpected requests for money or personal information, and always check the credentials of anyone you’re dealing with.
In the case of the convicted fraudster Andrew Evans, Santander played a critical role in bringing the fraud to light and getting Mr Langton the help he needed. The bank’s involvement in the case highlights the importance of working with financial institutions to prevent and report fraud. You can help protect yourself, your family, and your community by reporting fraud.
