TWO pensioners from Times Territory are among hundreds conned out of millions of pounds by a gang of four.
One, a Codicote man in his 70s, died before he could see the fraudsters banged up for their part in a �4m scam.
The deceased victim and an elderly man from Welwyn were, according to police, conned out of “thousands and thousands of pounds” during the so-called ‘Boiler Room’ scam.
In total, 320 people across the country were conned into buying worthless shares over the telephone.
After a compensation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, it was decided nearly �1m will be paid back to the victims from the criminals.
Detective constable Jim Frost, of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s fraud squad, said: “Although victims will not be receiving all the money they were conned out of, I hope what they will receive can help bring some closure to this traumatic experience.”
He added: “It’s very unlikely someone will try and sell you genuine shares over the telephone.
“If it sounds too good to be true then it really is.”
* Are you a victim or a relative/friend? What do you think of the compenstation ruling?
Call the Welwyn Hatfield Times newsdesk on 01707 384180 or email naiomi.madden@whtimes.co.uk
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