Vulnerable people victims of big money fraud plot
FIVE elderly people, two from Worthing, and one each from Pulborough, Lancing and Littlehampton, were targeted by fraudsters as part of a large scale scam.
The charges allege that more than a quarter of a million pounds was defrauded from at least 17 elderly and vulnerable people across Sussex. There were attempts to defraud a further nine people which, had they succeeded, would have brought the total to more than £350,000.
Twelve people will appear in Brighton Magistrates Court today (Thursday, July 25) charged with conspiracy to obtain on the pretence of carrying out urgent building work at the homes of elderly people across the South East, and money laundering the proceeds.
The charges, which were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, follow an extensive investigation by the Economic Crime Unit of Sussex Police.