Conman posing as police officer targeting pensioners for life savings - one handed over £6k

A callous conman posing over the phone as a police officer is targeting pensioners for their life savings. Police in Bolton have revealed TEN cases are being investigated in total, and have now issued an urgent warning.

Sadly, money has been handed over in two cases - with one victim conned out of £6,000. Reports have come largely from the Little Lever, Horwich and Westhoughton areas of Bolton from residents aged in their 70s and 80s.

Police revealed the conman tells potential victims that as part of a fraud investigation they need to withdraw cash from their bank account and a colleague will collect the money from them later. Sums ranging from £2,000 to £70,000 have been requested.

"The incidents so far have consisted of the offender contacting the victims from a withheld number stating that he is 'PC/DC Matthew Philips' Greater Manchester Police with a collar number of '5772'," said GMP in a statement on Monday. "Victims that have been in contact with us so far have been from the Little Lever, Horwich and Westhoughton areas of Bolton, and have been tended to be aged in their 70s and 80s.

"Unfortunately in two of the five cases, money - the most being in excess of £6,000 - has been handed over to the offender, who was said to be wearing tracksuit bottoms and a hoody.

"Our ongoing enquiries so far suggest it appears to be a national issue and that he is trying to target people that he thinks are vulnerable to this kind of crime.

"We're actively still searching for any other similar incidents that could possibly be linked to this series across Bolton and beyond - and are keen to hear from any members of the public who may have information."

Five incidents were reported to police between Monday, April 4 and Thursday, April