Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 7th March 2025, at 16:15hrs
Six individuals have been sentenced to a total of more than 25 years in prison for defrauding 14 elderly victims across the country out of £1 million, Lancashire Police have announced.
The elaborate scam involved cold calls and in-person visits, with the fraudsters posing as bank or police officials.
The group operated a fake call center in Blackburn town center, where they would contact elderly victims, claiming their bank accounts were compromised or that they were assisting in a special police investigation. In one instance, an 80-year-old man was told he was involved in a “special project” and was “sworn to secrecy.”
The fraudsters employed various tactics to gain the victims’ trust, including telling them to expect a parcel that would be collected by a courier. They then used the victims’ bank cards and funds to make lavish purchases, including high-end watches, flights, electronics, jewellery, and luxury hotel stays, as well as exchanging money into foreign currencies.
The investigation, which spanned multiple police forces, revealed that all suspects had links to Lancashire, prompting Lancashire Police to take the lead.
Following a thorough investigation, the six individuals were arrested and charged.
At Preston Crown Court, the following sentences were handed down:
* Giovanni Piras, 37, formerly of The Evergreens, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to six years and 11 months in prison.
* Samuel Daniels, 35, formerly of Hollin Bank Court, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to five years and two months in prison.
* Dean Clarke, 40, formerly of Waterloo Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to six years in prison.
* Caroline Cunliffe, 48, formerly of Wardlebrook Avenue, Hyde, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud and sentenced to three years in prison.
* Giuseppe Persico, 50, of No Fixed Abode, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
* Muhammed Afzal, 51, formerly of Azalea Road, Blackburn, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud and sentenced to 25 months in prison.
Lancashire Police condemned the “despicable” actions of the fraudsters, emphasizing their exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
They have issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to be vigilant against courier fraud.
Key advice includes:
* The police and banks will never ask for full passwords, money transfers, or high-value purchases.
* Never hand over bank cards or cash to anyone claiming to be from the police or bank.
* Be cautious of unexpected deliveries and requests for collection.
* Verify the identity of callers and do not reveal personal details.
* Report any suspected fraud to the police or Action Fraud.
“These crimes are not, and never will be tolerated in Lancashire,” stated a police spokesperson.
“These despicable people preyed on some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
They exploited the victim’s vulnerabilities with the aim to gain their trust before stealing their life savings.”
Anyone who believes they or a loved one has been a victim of courier fraud is urged to contact Lancashire Police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
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