A fraudster has been jailed for two and a half years after conning elderly victims, all in their 90s, into handing over their bank cards, which she then used to spend over £10,000 on Apple products and cash withdrawals.
Lisa Macardle, 39, targeted victims across southern England after an accomplice made bogus phone calls claiming to be from their bank, telling them their cards had been cancelled and would be collected by a courier.
In June 2023, Macardle defrauded a 98-year-old woman from Dorset of more than £4,300, using her card to withdraw £500 and buy Apple products worth £3,838 from John Lewis in Southampton. She also attempted to transfer large sums to her business account.
Further victims included a 96-year-old man from Northampton, from whom she took £500 in cash and bought £1,648 of Apple products, and a 91-year-old woman from Hampshire, losing £250 and £3,786 in Apple goods. Macardle was arrested on July 10, 2023, after a card was blocked.
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn of Thames Valley Police warned: 'Courier fraud preys on the victim's trust, vulnerability, and fear of authority. Our message is clear: we will pursue, arrest, and charge you.'
