Cleonest Massera defrauded a woman in her 80s out of £20k by pretending to be a police officer.
He is now in jail following an investigation by South Wales Police.
Massera, 21, from Pentwyn, Cardiff, contacted the women in November 2025 claiming she had been a victim of a scam,
He offered to look after her valuables and arrangements were made for a ‘police officer’ to collect the money and jewellery from her home.
She was told not to inform any family or friends about the crime as it could result in her being arrested for perverting the course of justice.
Thankfully, relatives were informed and within days Massera was arrested and charged.
Massera was found guilty of fraud by false representation following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in June.
The court heard that between November 27 and November 30, 2025, he posed as a police courier to take receipt of cash, jewellery and bank cards belonging to the victim.
He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, July 6 to 32 months in jail.
Detective Constable Joseph Davies said:
“We continue to urge people to remain vigilant and to look out for their vulnerable relatives that may be susceptible to online fraud”
“This investigation is a reminder of our commitment to holding fraudsters accountable and protecting vulnerable members of our communities”
Fraudsters will use various tactics to acquire bank details.
- Should you receive any text messages purporting to be from your bank asking you to click on ‘links’ please do not do this. Delete it and contact your bank immediately.
- Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
- Police officers will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or ask for personal banking details.
Some more useful advice which can help you or a loved one stay protected from scammers can be found here – https://www.south-wales.police.uk/advice/advice-and information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/prevent-personal-fraud/
Please contact South Wales Police by one of the following means.
Contact us online via https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report
101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
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