An elderly man with dementia duped by a scammer posing as his bank had his money returned after police intervention.
A man, 68, from North Shields, who has early-onset dementia was convinced by a fraudster to send the contents of his bank account by mail.
The man was told there had been irregular activity on his account by scammer, and to withdraw his money and send it to an address in the West Midlands.
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He told the man this was for safe keeping until it could be transferred to a safe account.
Action Fraud were alerted to the incident after the man told his son, who in turn alerted authorities to the scam.
An investigation was launched soon after to trace the cash, and it was later returned to the man.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "When the victim later told his son he had packaged and posted his cash as instructed – the incident was reported to Action Fraud, who immediately flagged it with us.
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"A quick-time investigation was launched to trace the cash and enquiries into the origin of the call were also carried out.
"We soon called on the support of counterparts at West Midlands Police, who were able to intercept the package and retrieve the money before it reached the depot.
"When the money was successfully recovered, it was then transported back up north and we were able to return it to the victim.
"It's despicable when fraudsters prey on people with vulnerabilities - confusing and manipulating them to get their hands on cash and valuables.
"Thankfully the victim’s family recognised the signs of the scam and immediately reported it and we were able to work with colleagues to ensure a swift and positive outcome."
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Enquiries into the offence and efforts to trace the offender remain ongoing.
Police said residents should remember no reputable organisation will ever ask you to send cash or valuables to them in the post or using a courier.
If you have been a victim or suspect a family member has, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report via their website.
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