Today, Monday 29th June, six people who posed as police officers in order to prey on older people have been sentenced in relation to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, money laundering and possessing criminal property.

The criminal gang members, who were aged between 31 and 61 years old, were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court after approximately £190,000 in cash and £15,000 worth of jewellery was fraudulently obtained from victims in the Belfast, Antrim and Down areas.

* Ray Lee, 33, Belfast, was sentenced to 5 years' imprisonment.
* Elijah Lee, 61, Belfast, was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment.
* Mark Paul Millar, 52, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment.
* John Joseph Delaney, 49, Belfast, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and six months on licence.
* William McGinley, 37, Irvinestown, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment suspended for two years.
* Shea Reynolds, 31, Belfast, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment.

Detective Chief Inspector Uel Boyd said: “On dates between January 2020 and May 2021, these individuals contacted members of the public and posed as police officers in order to extort money and valuables. They predominately exploited older members of our community.

“These devious scammers worked by persuading their vulnerable victims that they were going to be the victim of a crime and that they needed to hand over cash, bank details or jewellery to the ‘police’ for safekeeping.

“It’s difficult to imagine how anyone could carry out this type of crime without a care for the fear and worry they caused these older people, not to mention the impact of the loss of their savings and valuables.  Their victims were people who have worked, saved hard and contributed to society all their lives, only to be targeted by these criminals – people whose actions stand in stark contrast to those admirable values.”

Detective Chief Inspector Boyd continued: “This was a complex investigation, and our detectives worked extremely hard over a prolonged period of time to ensure that these individuals were held to account for their wicked actions.

 “Anyone who seeks to engage in this type of criminality should be aware - the Police Service will use every available resource to pursue a criminal justice outcome and, more importantly, to protect individuals and communities from harm and exploitation.

“We know that this type of crime can have a far-reaching impact, but we can all work together to protect and prevent this from happening to those we care about.

“Fraudsters such as those sentenced today can be extremely convincing and use a variety of scenarios to make their victims believe they are genuine. They are master manipulators.

“If you, or anyone you know, receives a call from someone claiming they're a police officer asking for money, bank details or any valuable item, please tell us.  

“Your Police Service will never ring you asking for this type of information or item. If this happens to you, or someone you know, end the call immediately and call us on 101. Never provide any personal details to the caller.

“I would also take this opportunity to ask family members to take the time to have a conversation with older loved ones about scams, and in particular this type of scam, so they don't fall victim to these callous criminals.

“It is never too late to report this type of incident to police. If you have received a call of this kind, or if you're concerned by the intent of unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.reportfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.”

Always remember – Stop. Check. Report. By following these simple rules, you could avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime:

Stop - Before you transfer money or disclose any personal details to anyone you do not know. Do not feel rushed or pressured by timelines - genuine callers will always give you time to consider your options.

Check - Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers on another phone line where possible and check images via an image search. If you are in any doubt do not transfer any money or goods.

Report - If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport  or call on 101, to your bank immediately, online at www.reportfraud.police.uk  or call 0300 123 2040. You can also forward scam texts to 7726.

For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni