Daughter launches fundraiser for Sheffield mum scammed out of savings in telephone call
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Janet Blakeley, aged 68, from Sheffield, lost £2,500 after being convinced by scammers in a phone call that she was talking to her internet provider.
They tricked her into downloading screenshare software so that they could view her bank details and take just over £2500 from her account.
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Hide AdHer daughter, Lara Lawrence, who has set up an online fundraising page, said: “My Mum has been a victim of a scam that has cleared her of her savings and of all money to live on.
“In short, a scam company called her posing as her internet provider. She is 68 and lives alone and does struggle with a fear of technology which this company completely used to their advantage. They pressured her into downloading screenshare software so that they could view her bank details and take just over £2500 from her account.
“While this may not seem like a lot of money for some, my mum now does not have money to buy food after being completely cleared out. She relies on her pension which does not come until the end of the month and it breaks my heart that I am not in a position to help.”
She said: “Her bank have said that they will not refund her the money and she is now considering going into more debt just to afford to live. She is so close to paying off her mortgage and this will set her back years.
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Hide Ad“Thank you so much for reading this far and any donation however small would be amazing. If this is not possible, some help in raising awareness on this so others don’t have to go through the same thing would just be wonderful.”
Janet’s bank, The Halifax, with whom she has held an account for more than 40 years is said to be reviewing the case.
To donate to help Janet visit the GoFundMe website.
Anyone with information about fraudsters should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.