Warning after pensioner conned out of thousands by crook posing as police officer

Sunday, January 25, 2026

We have launched an investigation after a man in his 80s from Nelson was conned out of €10,000 by an organised crime group (OCG) falsely claiming to be police officers and bank staff.

Before giving you further detail of this case, we just want to remind you that police officers or bank staff will not contact you and ask you to participate in covert fraud investigations. If you have any concerns about someone claiming to be a police officer, ask them for their name and identification and check with the genuine police by calling 999.

We would also ask that you relay this message to your family, friends, neighbours and anyone you know who might be vulnerable.

With regards to this case, at 12.24pm on Friday (23rd January)we were contacted by the victim, who believed he may have been the victim of a scam.

The victim stated that at 12.30pm on 21st January he received a call from a private number with the man on the other end of the phone claiming to be an undercover police officer Sgt Martin Spencer. This individual told the victim that his bank account had been compromised and that he twice needed to withdraw €5,000, which the victim did on two separate visits to the Post Office on 21st and 22nd of January.

An unknown man then attended the victim’s property on 22nd January to collect the cash.

Our officers attended the victim’s property shortly after he contacted us, and members of the OCG continued to call his landline from a withheld number even whilst we were present.

Safeguarding measures have been put in place around the victim, and while no arrest has been made at this time a dedicated team of officers are working to identify and detain the offenders.

We want to use this opportunity to remind you what courier fraud is, and how to prevent yourself from falling victim to it.

A lot of those most vulnerable to courier fraud may not see this release, so please tell your loved ones and neighbours about it, and how they can protect themselves.

  • Remember the police or your bank will NEVER ask you to provide your PIN number or passwords over the phone, withdraw or transfer money or buy items to ‘aid an investigation’.

  • Do not hand over any item (including cash or bank cards) or information to anyone that attends your address – police and banking staff would never take bank cards or cash from you – contact the police on 999 in the event that someone comes to the property purporting to be sent from the police or the bank.

  • If you receive an unexpected delivery or an item is sent to your address that you have not ordered and you are contacted by a stranger to arrange collection, do not hand over the item and contact the police.

  • Do not agree to go into the bank, or use online banking to transfer or withdraw funds at the request of another – notify the cashier if any requests have been made of you by a third party (scammers will often tell a victim that the investigation is covert and not to disclose information)

  • Make sure you verify who you are talking to and do not reveal any personal details. Clear the line, and phone us on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least two minutes to contact us, or a trusted person.

  • If you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank on their genuine number to secure your finances.

 

If you, or someone you know may be a victim of fraud, please let us know, even if you are not sure.

Courier fraudsters often prey on some of the most vulnerable in our community and it can be confusing and scary to hear from them.

We’re asking you to be vigilant and help protect yourself and those around you from it.

You can make a report on 101 or contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.