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15
May
Woman claiming to be deaf and dumb scams elderly person in Pateley Bridge
Police are urging people to be wary of cold-callers after an elderly resident in Pateley Bridge was conned out of cash and their wallet.
A North Yorkshire Police statement today (May 15) said a young woman claiming to be deaf gained entry to an older person’s home in the town at about 1pm on Friday, May 1.
The statement added:
Once inside, she convinced the victim to make a large cash donation to a fake charity. She also stole the victim's wallet.
The suspect is described as a young woman, aged in her early 20s, with brown hair. She was holding a sign which read ‘I am deaf and dumb’.
Officers urged residents to warn older or vulnerable friends and family about doorstep scammers.
The statement said:
Beyond the obvious financial loss, a crime like this can have a devastating emotional impact on victims.
The message is simple: if you're not sure, don't open the door. Genuine callers will be happy to provide ID with a contact phone number, or wait until someone else - such as a neighbour - has attended to verify their identity.
Police urged anyone who can identify the conwoman to call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.
Quote reference 12260079389.
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