Warning after a spate of distraction robberies in Greater Manchester.
Police have released CCTV of 72-year-old Eileen McCartney who was almost robbed using a distraction technique in a Wigan town centre bank.
Two men and a woman were part of the scam, and Eileen was targeted as she withdrew money from a cash machine.
One scammer distracted Eileen by putting a £20 note on the floor and tapped her on the shoulder to suggest she had dropped it, whilst distracted a second man reached over and swapped Eileen’s bank card with a fake one.
Luckily Eileen quickly realised what was happening and managed to wrestle her bank card out of the hands of the second man so he could not steal anything from her.
Eileen recognised the distraction technique from a TV programme she had watched last year.
Unfortunately the three men and the woman got away, and police are still looking for them.
PC Rod Ashton from Wigan’s Town Centre team said: “Eileen is a tough cookie, she’s switched on and she was quick to realise what was going on.
“Unfortunately, not everyone will realise they have been scammed until it is too late.
“We have seen an increase in the number of these distraction robberies across Greater Manchester and I’ve spoken to colleagues in neighbouring forces who have confirmed it is also happening there too.
“Scammers are getting away with thousands of pounds sometimes, and they are targeting the elderly and vulnerable in particular.
“We are appealing to the public to have a look at the CCTV and see if they recognise the scammers, we are determined to bring them to justice.
“Even if you don’t recognise them, take a look at the CCTV and watch the scam. We want people to be aware that these people are out there, and hopefully Eileen’s experience can help others avoid being scammed in the future.”
To contact the police in an emergency call 999 or to contact Greater Manchester Police for a less urgent matter call 101.
