Disabled pensioner, 86, targeted in shopping lockdown scam

A disabled pensioner was targeted in a scam in which a cold caller said they were from Age UK and would carry out essential food shopping for him.
Age UK has confirmed it is a scam.Age UK has confirmed it is a scam.
Age UK has confirmed it is a scam.

The bogus female official came to the 86-year-old's door in Kinsley on Tuesday and was said to come across as "very friendly", asking him to fill out a form about what he would like included in his food parcel.

She also insisted he either pay up front or provide his card details, but the gentleman, who is wheelchair-bound because of a stroke, refused to do either, so she left.

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The female suspect is described as 5’4, short blonde straight hair, approx. 40 yrs old, smartly dressed with black leather jacket, local accent. She did not have any ID.

It is not known if she attended the area on foot or came by vehicle.

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Age UK have been contacted who have confirmed that this is a scam.

A spokesman from the charity said: "If you aren’t expecting us, it isn’t us!

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"Age UK Wakefield District Staff and Volunteers will never just turn up unexpected at your door.

"We are always responding to your request to us for help and we ring in advance to tell you we are coming so you know when to expect us. All our staff and volunteers carry ID badges so do not believe anyone claiming to come from Age UK Wakefield District who turns up unannounced and without a correct ID badge."

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