Conman dupes elderly couple with 'designer' goods

1:22pm Friday 9th November 2012 in Local News

A CONMAN duped an elderly couple out of their money - and is thought to be using the tactic elsewhere.

He struck up a conversation with the male victim in the street by claiming they had mutual friends in common.

He was then invited to the home of the victim and his wife, where he persuaded them to buy some sample 'designer' jackets.

He told them he needed to sell them because he needed to buy his wife a present, so they felt obliged to hand him a three figure sum.

The man is described as Mediterranean, possibly Italian, well dressed and aged around 40 to 50.

It happened in Leigh on November 2.

Anyone with any information about the identity of the man who committed this scam is asked to contact police at Leigh on 101.

Comments (4)

4:04pm Fri 9 Nov 12

rjsizzler says...

I know I'm supposed to feel sorry for these victims but should I expect to become gullible and over-trusting when I'm 'elderly'?

How did the conversation about mutual friends go? And how did it end up with them buying designer jackets?
I know I'm supposed to feel sorry for these victims but should I expect to become gullible and over-trusting when I'm 'elderly'? How did the conversation about mutual friends go? And how did it end up with them buying designer jackets? rjsizzler

4:57pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Eric Whim says...

have the conmen given up on the 'I need some money for petrol to get to the airport/a meeting in Manchester, I'll let you have these 'designer' watches for thirty quid' approach in out of town supermarket car parks then?
have the conmen given up on the 'I need some money for petrol to get to the airport/a meeting in Manchester, I'll let you have these 'designer' watches for thirty quid' approach in out of town supermarket car parks then? Eric Whim

7:56am Sat 10 Nov 12

Brunning999 says...

Tough they purchased goods in very foolishly created conditions, they got what they deserve what is commonly known as 'being ripped off'
Tough they purchased goods in very foolishly created conditions, they got what they deserve what is commonly known as 'being ripped off' Brunning999

9:08am Sat 10 Nov 12

_champagne2 says...

The comments above are harsh. Unfortunately elderly people can be trusting as many don't see people during the day and are glad to talk. My father is 89 and this year a black man called at his door stating that he was collecting for the local homeless centre sensibly my father didn't give anything as the collector was bogus with no I. D. I informed HARP of this. The conman had read in the local free paper that the centre needed people to help raise cash so did it off his own back. We live in a sick world where no one respects our eldery but they fought for this country so the likes of previous posters could live in freedom. I expect some stupid replies....
The comments above are harsh. Unfortunately elderly people can be trusting as many don't see people during the day and are glad to talk. My father is 89 and this year a black man called at his door stating that he was collecting for the local homeless centre sensibly my father didn't give anything as the collector was bogus with no I. D. I informed HARP of this. The conman had read in the local free paper that the centre needed people to help raise cash so did it off his own back. We live in a sick world where no one respects our eldery but they fought for this country so the likes of previous posters could live in freedom. I expect some stupid replies.... _champagne2

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree