Pair sentenced following large-scale fraud investigation across Scotland

A man and a woman were sentenced today, Tuesday, 24 September, 2024, at the High Court in Edinburgh, following a large-scale fraud investigation across Scotland.

Derek Moore, 42, received 13 years and six months, and Julie Ann McQuade was sentenced two years and six months for offences including fraud, theft and impersonating a police officer.

The pair pled guilty to the fraudulent scheme on Friday, 31 May, 2024.

Work by Ayrshire officers led to their arrests after properties were searched in Hamilton and Rutherglen in February 2022.

In total, the pair are responsible for the theft of over £214,000 from members of the public across Scotland.

Moore and McQuade called members of the public pretending to be police officers, alerting them to fraudulent activity on their account. In the phone call, personal questions were asked for security reasons, allowing the pair access to the bank account in question.

Detective Inspector Ross Black who led the enquiry said: “Moore and McQuade targeted the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities, and it is right that they will now face the consequence of their despicable actions.

"We want to take this opportunity to remind members of the public to be aware of scams and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

“These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled. These criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations, and the police. Often they have details about a person they shouldn’t convincing people they are legitimate.

“If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.”

Anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim to a scam is asked to contact 101.

Scam advice is available on our website – https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/