Dad scammed by 'Mr Singh'. I'm furious!

rosie383

Just a wee warning for anyone with elderly relatives living in the Belfast area.
Having visited my Dad this past week (I live in England now), I found out from my sister that my dad has been scammed by this guy. He apparently goes around pensioners (this was in York Rd area of Belfast), tells them he will go and buy clothes for them and then charges an exorbitant amount. My Dad's neighbour regularly has bought from him,but my Dad never has before.
However, he had just returned home after being in hospital for several weeks, and was pretty weak and vulnerable. This 'Mr Singh came to the door and persuaded my dad to order some clothes from him. Now, my Dad doesn't need anything... he has a wardrobe full of clothes, and my sister buys whatever else is needed. The guy came back and demanded £74 for the clothes he had bought. My Dad gave him the £70 at the door, and then said he had some change on the mantlepiece. 'Mr Singh' proceeded to help himself to every penny that was there (more than £20). :mad:
When my sister came later in the day, and checked what had been bought, the clothing was from Primark or similar and cost a total of around £20!!!!
Please, please, please, make any of your elderly or vulnerable relatives aware that this could happen and stop someone else being ripped off. When I heard, I could have cried.

teffers

Really sorry this has happened to your Dad, Rosie.

My mum is 80 this year and even though I live 20 minutes away (we're in England btw) I still worry.

I've set up a very visable cctv camera pointing at the path and front gate so people who visit assume they're being recorded (they aren't but my mum can see on the TV who it is). If she doesn't recognise them she doesn't answer the door, three dogs barking puts un-desirables off too.

I'm of the opinion people who prey on senior citizens should be dealt some very severe penalties.

Hope you're Dad feels better soon.

saverbuyer

This is horrific. I really feel for your father.

What a scumbag of a man.

I know the area, I think there are a few community groups you could talk to, maybe help to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

rosie383

who would be best to report it to? As my sister is the one who is there daily, I really want her to do something about this. She is tempted to call the police,but hasn't done so far. Dad now doesn't have any money in the house as he isn't able to go out by himslef, so, hopefully it won't happen to him again.
Mind you, when I was sorting out his house when he was in hospital, I lost count of how many requests and letters of thanks from charities there were. I think he gives to everyone who asks. He is a very generous man, but there were sooo many it shocked me. At least he can't set up any direct debits or whatever from his account, so that is one blessing.

rosie383

BTW, that wasn't meant to be a complaint that he gives to many charities, more that once you give to one or two, the rest come calling.

teffers

I'd definitely report it to the Police personally.

steveymp

I'm sure we could muster up an MSE Norn Iron visiting party for Mr Singh and persuade him to return your fathers money;)

This type of Vermin that preys on the elderly needs dealt with, I really would contact the local police use the 0845 600 8000 number as it is non emergency. They may not be able to do anything but have a word with this character, but it might put him off doing it again.

warmhands.coldheart

steveymp wrote: »

I'm sure we could muster up an MSE Norn Iron visiting party for Mr Singh and persuade him to return your fathers money;).

Stevey..... Good Friday Agreement !!!!:rotfl:

spike7451

teffers wrote: »

I'd definitely report it to the Police personally.

And Trading Standards as well as Age Concern.The later may not be able to do anything but it's a heads up for them to watch out for this lowlife.

betterlatethannever

Disgusting :mad: This sort of thing makes me fume!!
Maybe worth contacting the local press/radio and see if they'll put out something- i often hear things on my local station and read stuff in the papers about this sort of thing. Won't help your poor Father, but may stop others being 'robbed'

rosie383

Spike- Good idea to contact Age Concern. I never thought of that, but did wonder about Trading Standards. I spoke to my sister about the police, but she knows that they may want to take a statement from Dad as she wasn't actually present at the time, but he really wouldn't be able for that. He gets stressed very easily and he would be very upset. I may contact Trading Standards and Age Concern as advised. I think this guy has been at it for a while, as I say, Dad's elderly neighbour (84yrs) has been dealing with him a few times.