Christchurch woman stole $270k from elderly women in phone scam

The women, aged between 74 and 95, were called and told there was a problem with their power or telephone account and that they owe money. Photo / 123RF

A Christchurch woman has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud, after being involved in a scam that targeted elderly women who lived alone.

From September 2015 to January 2016, a group of offenders obtained more than $270,000 from at least 30 victims.

The women, aged between 74 and 95, were called and told there was a problem with their power or telephone account and that they owed money.

The caller would say it needed to be resolved or else the victim's power or phone would be cut off.

They'd convince the women to hand over their PIN number for their bank card and someone would come and uplift their card.

A female would then visit the victim's address to collect the card.

Some were given a New Zealand Post Prezzy Card in return.

Within 12 hours, large sums of money would be systematically withdrawn from their account.

Amounts which ranged from $200 to $13,000 would be taken out from several different ATMs around Christchurch.

Reiana Janine Hilton, 35, appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

Hilton, who is currently on home detention for a string of shoplifting offences, wiped away tears as Judge Jane Farish convicted her.

She has been remanded on bail and will reappear for sentencing on May 8.

Others involved in the scam have been dealt with separately.