A MAN conned three elderly people from Bournemouth before spending their cash in bookies and convenience stores has been jailed – after a 'distinctive' hat gave him away.

The victims – who are 91, 90 and 89 – had received phone calls from criminals pretending to be from their banks. Each was told their cards needed replacing.

After receiving the calls, they were visited at their homes by a 'courier' who collected the card.

George Panayiotou, 35 and of Francis Road in Leyton, East London, has now been sentenced to 36 weeks in prison after admitting three counts of fraud by false representation at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Panayiotou was found to have committed more than £4,800-worth of fraud in just three days in February 2019. He spent the cash at supermarkets, convenience stores and betting shops in London and Bournemouth. The court heard he used the bank cards stolen from the three elderly victims.

The conviction follows an investigation into 'courier fraud' by specialist officers from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU).

The defendant was identified by the DCPCU through victims’ reports and CCTV footage from the shops he'd visited. In June last year, officers searched his address and found items of clothing spotted on CCTV, including a 'distinctive' black and red hat.

Panayiotou then handed himself in and admitted his role in the fraud.

Detective Constable Matt Cornell, who investigated the case, said: “This was a cruel scam targeting vulnerable and elderly victims and stealing thousands of pounds from their accounts. Fortunately we were able to track down Panayiotou and bring him to justice for his role in this fraud.

“It’s vital to remember that your bank will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone or offer to pick up your card by courier.

"If you ever get a call like this, hang up and call your bank off a trusted number like the one on their official website or the back of your card.”