SOME elderly people in the Gisborne community have been targeted by other people to access their cash and police have become increasingly concerned. Police have had reports that some older people have been targeted repeatedly until all their savings have gone.
“We believe elderly people who may be living alone
are being befriended by others in order to access their finances,” said Senior Sergeant Lincoln Sycamore. “We have been told that some victims have been preyed upon until any savings they had are gone.”
Snr Sgt Sycamore said in some cases it started with payment for services offered around the home by these people. Police believe those involved are opportunists.
“We are not sure how they choose their victims but our reports indicate they are cold-calling, going door-to-door. The initial offer for services around the house leads to further expectation of payment or gifts in lieu of cash. Other elderly folk are believed to be targeted for their state superannuation and have even been escorted to ATMs for the withdrawal of cash on some occasions,” he said.
Police have asked the community to keep an eye out for this sort of activity.
