Police seek Gatwick confidence fraudster
30.07.10
Detectives at Gatwick airport have named a man they want to question in connection with a series of confidence tricks on travellers. Neil Rodgers, 41, believed to be from the Middlesbrough area, is wanted in connection with seven frauds at the airport over 18 months, with photographs published on the police website. Police in London, Surrey, Edinburgh and Thames Valley also want to find him.
Mr Rodgers also uses other names, including Sean Wells, Neil Roberts and Daniel Thomas. The latest fraud at the airport happened in May, when the conman posed as a businessman and obtained £100 from his victim. The conman, who has been operating at airports and other transport hubs across the country, pretends he has run out of money and needs to get home.
Police said his favourite method is to ensure he is overheard apparently speaking on his mobile phone about not being able to get home because his credit cards have been cancelled. He then engages the victim in conversation and get them to offer to lend him money. The conman promises to repay it and provides a mobile number, which is never answered.
Det Con Steve Trott said: ‘This man is a relentless confidence trickster, who provides a very plausible story and comes across as very genuine. But he doesn't care about honest people. He typically seeks only relatively modest amounts, say £50-£100, and decent travellers instinctively want to help. But beware, things are not always as they seem.’
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Mr Rodgers or who believes they may be another of his victims is being asked to contact Sussex Police.Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
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