A FRAUDSTER who posed as a police officer to con elderly people out of thousands of pounds on Canvey has been convicted.

Abul Anam Sadruddin, 28 of Dod Street, London appeared at Basildon Crown court last week where he was found guilty of two counts of fraud by false representation.

In the first incident, the elderly victim was called at their home by a man, who was pretending to be a police officer.

He told the 82-year-old victim that she had been a victim of fraud whereby counterfeit money had been placed in her account and manipulated her into thinking she was assisting with an ongoing investigation.

She was then ordered to the nearest bank where she withdrew £2500. When she returned home, she was greeted by Sadruddin who collected the money.

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The following day, in December 2019, another elderly victim was targeted.

The 91-year-old was told a similar story and made to believe that he was assisting police with an ongoing fraud investigation if he withdrew £5000.

The female victim described how since the crime, she has found it difficult to leave her own home.

She said: “When I am out of my home, I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder to see whether I am being followed as I am concerned I shall become a victim again.

“I can still see the man standing at the door as if he is waiting to come in and collect money from me.”

An investigation, led by Essex Police’s Economic Crime Team was launched and Sadruddin was identified as a suspect.

He was arrested and swiftly charged with two counts of fraud by false representation. Following a week-long trial, he appeared in court on June 13 where he was found guilty of both counts.

He will be sentenced on July 31.

Detective Constable Lee Pudney said “Sadruddin’s despicable crimes had a detrimental impact on the victims who were led to believe that they were assisting the police.

“I’d like to commend the victims in this case who have bravely supported the investigation.

“The sad truth is that economic crimes such as these, leave victims feeling foolish but that should not be the case. Fraudsters such as Sadruddin will often go to great lengths to make their scam look believable.

“To reiterate, the police or bank officials will never ask you to withdraw money from your account or share personal details and passwords. Please be vigilant and if you think you’ve been targeted, report to Action Fraud or the police right away, using a different phone line.”