Hunt for fraudster who conned Edgbaston family by threatening them with deportation

A conman has tricked a family in Edgbaston into handing over money by pretending to be from Birmingham City Council.

The suspect visited a house on March 7th and told the family they owed a large fine because their children had not attended school. He said that not paying would see them deported.

After handing over the full amount, the man forced them to sign a document he claimed was a deportation order. As a result, the parents sent four children to live in Slovakia with other family members.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “After the incident their suspicions grew and they eventually decided to report it to police and supplied a picture they took of the suspect at the time.

“Checks have been made and the man is not employed by the council.

“While the council may visit people’s homes when investigating concerns relating to school attendance and can separately issue fines for non-attendance, officers will never ask for payment on the doorstep. People should always check callers’ identification and, if in doubt, do not let them in.”

Anyone with information about the man is asked to contact DC Rabnawaz via email m.rabnawaz@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.