A man has been jailed for three years for fraud offences carried out across the borough.
Sonny McClean, aged 35 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced on Friday, July 12, at Aylesbury Crown Court after he pled guilty to nine counts of fraud by false representation at the same court back in February.
He was also disqualified from driving for 15 months.
Between May and July 2020, McClean defrauded nine people of more than £15,500 by posing as a courier from the victims’ banks.
The victims, all older than 60, received a call from McClean claiming to be from their bank and informing them their bank card had been compromised or was due to expire.
Investigating Officer DC Karen Symons, based at Newbury Police Station, said: “This was an appalling crime, targeting vulnerable people at the height of the pandemic when many were fearful of leaving their homes.
“Concealing his identity by wearing a face mask, McClean posed as a courier and claimed to be replacing the victims’ bank cards and helping them avoid having to leave their home.
“Using personal details to support his deception, McClean was able to make numerous withdrawals and rob vulnerable people of their finances.
“I would like to thank the victims and their families in this case who have bravely contributed and supported our efforts to bring them justice.
“We’re aware that incidents like fraud can have a huge impact on individuals, often causing victim’s to feel embarrassed.
“I would like to reassure anyone affected by fraud to report these issues without fear of judgement, but rather you can be confident that we will do our utmost to secure justice.”
