A man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after approximately £250,000 was stolen from a 71-year-old from Cheshire.

At around 6:30am on Tuesday 5 August, officers executed a warrant at an address on New Devonshire Square, Salford.

A 45-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

The suspect has now been released on bail until Wednesday 5 November.

The warrant follows an investigation by Cheshire Police's economic crime unit into the 'sim jacking' of the victim's mobile phone, which has resulted in the theft of approximately £250,000 from the accounts of a 71-year-old Cheshire businessman.

Detective Constable Hannah Clement, who is leading the investigation, said: "Today marks a significant step forward in what has been a complex investigation into the theft of a substantial amount of money through 'Sim-jacking'.

"This cyber enabled fraud is becoming increasingly common; it involves hijacking a person's mobile phone number and transferring it to a new sim without their consent.

"Once transferred, fraudsters can then receive texts and calls to that number, including security checks like two-factor authentication, allowing them to take control of the victims bank accounts, allowing them to defraud the victims."

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