Isleworth man duped by 'illegal immigrant' with 'winning' ticket
Police are warning people to be aware of a scam that has taken thousands of pounds off unsuspecting victims including a man from Isleworth.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 12th January, the 57-year-old man was outside his home when he was approached by a man who said he was looking for directions to a near by solicitors.He claimed he had a winning lottery ticket but was seeking legal advice as he was unable to claim the winnings as he was an illegal immigrant.
As the pair began to walk the man to the solicitors a second man pulled up in a car and spoke to them. He advised against using the solicitor they were heading towards and offered to help with the claim.
The victim agreed to buy the lottery ticket if he was given proof of the numbers of the winning ticket at a newsagent; one of the men appeared to speak to Camelot on the phone but the victim did not see the actual ticket.
All three men made their way to the bank where the victim drew out the money to give to pay the two men. When the victim was back in the car, the driver started vomiting and asked the victim to go into the chemist to get some medicine. When the victim came out of the chemist the two and his money were gone.
PC Sunita Banerjee, Metropolitan Police Service, Hounslow borough said, "As with all crimes of this nature the suspects were completely believable. There have been a few incidents that I am aware of using a similar web of lies to con money out of the unsuspecting. People should be on the look out for these men and report anything suspicious to police. Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is."
The first suspect is described as a Nepalese man, about 60-years-old, described as being very short. The man driving the car is described as an Asian man, approximately 40-years-old, 5'9" tall, medium build with short greying hair he was driving an old silver Audi saloon at the time of the incident.
Anyone who believes they have been approached by these men or has any information relating to this crime are asked to contact Hounslow CID on 020 8247 6160 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
January 21, 2011