Elderly woman robs bank in desperation after falling victim to scam

A 74-year-old, in an act of desperation, robbed the AurGroup Financial Credit Union Bank in Fairfield Township in the American state of Ohio and stole $680 (approximately £500). It turned out she was not only a criminal but also a victim of a crime.

On April 19, the 74-year-old entered the AurGroup Financial Credit Union Bank and demanded the cashier hand over the money while brandishing a weapon. When the police arrived at her home, finding a silver 2014 Hyundai Elantra outside, which the senior had driven away from the bank with the loot, the woman immediately confessed to the robbery.

Fairfield County Police Sergeant Brandon McCroskey said that the 74-year-old woman might have previously been a victim of a crime herself, which pushed her to rob the bank.

"It appears that the woman was communicating online with individuals who might have scammed her," stated Sgt. McCroskey. According to family statements, the 74-year-old was recently scammed by someone claiming to need money for American customs services. "Unfortunately, these are very common situations in the case of older victims who are scammed out of large amounts of money. It seems that this may indeed have happened in this case."

To pass the money on to the scammer, the woman borrowed from her family and friends. She owed her sister £3,700 (approximately $5,000) and a friend £48,000 (approximately $65,000). The bank robbery was supposed to help her deal with her debts.

"In this aspect, some might see her as a victim," said McCroskey in an interview with USA Today. Despite the sad story, the fact remains that the 74-year-old committed a crime.

She could face up to 15 years in prison if the charges are confirmed. The woman is currently in custody in Butler County Jail and will likely remain there unless she posts a bail of £74,000 (approximately $100,000).