Duo jailed after impersonating police and targeting elderly in East Lothian scam

Julie Ann McQuade was sentenced to two years and six months
-Credit: (Image: Police Scotland)


A Scottish duo behind a major fraud scam have been jailed following a large-scale investigation.

Derek Moore and Julie Ann McQuade faced several charges including fraud, theft and impersonating a police officer. Derek, 42, received 13 years and six months.

Julie was sentenced to two years and six months. The twisted pair targeted elderly and vulnerable members of the public in locations across Scotland, including East Lothian.

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The scam which occurred between August 2021 and February 2022 and took place in Ayrshire, Dundee, Renfrewshire, Musselburgh, in East Lothian and Shetland. Following investigations from Ayrshire officers Moore and McQuade were arrested in February 2022 following the search of two properties in Hamilton and Rutherglen.

The pair pled guilty to the fraudulent scheme on Friday, May 31 2024. Moore and McQuade would call members of the public pretending to be police officers, alerting them to fraudulent activity on their account.

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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.

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"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 here.