A UK national has pleaded guilty to dozens of charges after posing as a police officer to scam multiple victims out of a total of $337,700 in cash.
Appearing at the Auckland District Court today, 26-year-old Jack Dylan Hennessy pleaded guilty to all 27 of his charges, including 25 for obtaining by deception.
Hennessy was arrested after a foot chase through central Auckland in June.
It was alleged at the time he had cold-called victims, pretending to be a police officer and telling a story about needing their assistance with an investigation.
“Aucklanders who fell victim to the scam were aged between 56 and 90, with the majority over 80,” police said.
In total, Hennessy swindled $337,700 in cash from his victims.
“This man’s… actions betrayed the goodwill of vulnerable and elderly members of our community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said, at the time of his arrest.
Hennessy was remanded in custody for sentencing at the Auckland District Court on November 14.
Meanwhile, another UK national was also before the Wellington District Court after being arrested earlier this month.
Another arrested for similar scam in Auckland
Police have also announced a 24-year-old man, allegedly conducting a similar scam, was arrested in Auckland today following a handful of complaints reported to police from across the city.
Police said they were monitoring a third round of the scam, in which victims were tricked into withdrawing money to assist in a so-called “covert operation”.
“Victims are convinced to withdraw up to tens of thousands of dollars in cash from the bank to be collected by a so-called officer,” Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting said.
However, after working with a victim to lure the alleged scammer in, real police officers were waiting for him when he came to pick up the cash.
“Instead of a handsome payday, the man was put in handcuffs and given a ride in a police vehicle,” Bunting said.
The man was charged with attempting to obtain by deception and would be appearing in the Waitākere District Court tomorrow.
“Police are continuing to investigate the wider operation, and we cannot rule out further arrests or charges being laid.”
Bunting urged the public to remain cautious when they are cold-called by people making “outlandish requests”.
“Police will never contact you under such circumstances, and we advise people to hang up the phone if approached.”
