A fraudster who targeted vulnerable pensioners in an elaborate courier scam has been jailed.
Abdirahman Yalahow, who also goes by Abdi Rahman, posed as bank staff and police officers to deceive his victims into surrendering their banking details and cards.
The 29-year-old, of Yew Tree Road in Walsall, stole more than £100,000 from eight elderly or vulnerable individuals between August and December 2024.
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud at Birmingham Crown Court in August and was sentenced to six years and six months inprisonment on December 22.
Yalahow’s scheme involved telephoning his targets and falsely informing them that their bank accounts had been compromised by fraudulent activity.
He would spend hours building trust through elaborate stories, persuading victims to share their security information during the calls.
Once he had gained their confidence, the fraudster convinced the pensioners to either leave their bank cards outside for a courier to collect or hand them over directly in person.
With both the cards and PIN details in his possession, Yalahow had complete access to his victims’ finances.
Abdirahman Yalahow has been jailed for the fraud
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WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
The stolen cards were subsequently used to purchase high-value goods and make cash withdrawals, continuing until the victims’ accounts had been completely emptied.
Police executed search warrants at two properties, seizing electronic devices including mobile phones.
Digital forensics experts examined the recovered equipment and uncovered evidence directly connecting Yalahow to the offences.
West Midlands Police said the fraudster viewed his victims simply as sources of money to be drained, showing no concern for their welfare.
Yalahow has been jailed at Birmingham Crown Court
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GOOGLEThe investigation ultimately secured sufficient evidence to bring charges, leading to his guilty plea at Birmingham Crown Court.
Det Sgt Angela Warren-Smith, from the economic crime unit, said:”Yalahow spent hours on the phone to victims to convince them with elaborate stories, reassure them and build their trust, resulting in them handing over their personal information and bank cards.
“He had no regard for their wellbeing and saw them merely as pots of cash to be emptied.
“We know that courier fraud is becoming an increasingly common offence, with offenders impersonating figures of authority, including police officers and bank staff, to demand money or details about bank accounts.”
DS Warren-Smith continued: “I’d ask that anyone who has an elderly or vulnerable relative or friend to have a chat with them about crimes like these and make sure they’re alert when they answer their phone to someone they don’t know.”]
West Midlands Police reminded the public that neither banks nor police will ever request PIN verification over the telephone or arrange courier collection of cards.
Anyone receiving such calls should hang up, wait several minutes, then contact their bank using a verified number such as the one printed on their card.
Suspected fraud victims should report incidents to Action Fraud.