The Sutton Coldfield victim handed over cash and bank cards to an unidentified courier as he claimed she was part of a police investigationA police appeal for information, the force said they want to speak to this manA police appeal for information, the force said they want to speak to this man(Image: WMP)

Police have launched an appeal after a woman was scammed out of £45,000 as a man posed as a police officer.

The victim, who is from Sutton Coldfield, ended up handing over cash and bank cards to an ‘unidentified courier’.

She had been tricked by someone pretending to be an officer, with the man claiming she was part of a police investigation.

Read more: Birmingham’s knife crime crisis – the truth of the problem and how you can help

We need to talk about knife crime

Kids aged 12 are being killed here in Birmingham. Our children need action, and they need it now.

We’ve spent three months investigating the root causes of knife crime to understand the risks our kids face.

We spent time with those on the front line for our exclusive report, Deep Cuts. Read here to see exactly why we’re pushing for these changes:

1. Free after-school clubs

When school ends, kids become vulnerable to the streets

2. More talk

Would you know if your child was being exploited by a gang?

3. Social media controls

Violence. Gangs. Bullying. Kids need shielding from the online dangers4. Tougher sentences for knife possession

There has to be a deterrent for young people5. Real punishment for weapon sellers

Unlimited fines for those selling knives to underage kids

She was contacted by the man several times in November last year, with her eventually handing over a total of £45,000.

Police have today, June 28, shared a photo of a man they believe may be able to help with their investigation.

An appeal from the force read: “We’d like to speak to him after a woman in Sutton Coldfield was scammed out of £45,000.

“The woman was a victim of courier fraud, tricked by someone pretending to be a police officer. Several times during November 2024, a man claiming to be an officer contacted the woman saying she was part of a police investigation.

“Subsequent conversations led the woman to hand over cash and bank cards to an unidentified courier, eventually leading to the loss of £45,000.

“We appreciate this isn’t the clearest image, but we’re hoping someone who was in the area might recognise this man and be able to help with our investigation.”

Anyone who has information can contact police on 101 quoting crime number 20/982451/24.