The sentencing follows investigation and arrest by specialist banking industry sponsored police unit, the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU).

Between July 2024 and March 2026, David Mattinson, was linked to offending that caused estimated losses of between £100,000 and £200,000, with attempted losses estimated at over £500,000.

The investigation began following a referral from the banking industry, which linked Mattinson to 58 fraudulent transactions that had been made using a customer's stolen card details. He had made the purchases, which were primarily to builders’ merchants across the UK, by manually entering the details over the phone.

A thorough police investigation revealed that Mattinson had been part of a sophisticated organised crime network operating across the country. Officers discovered that once orders had been placed by Mattinson, the materials, often copper and lead, were then sold for cash payments for the criminal's own gain. Documentation belonging to the fraudster was also recovered from a vehicle connecting him to the crimes.

Mattinson was initially arrested in April 2025 at Manchester Airport as he attempted to leave for Dubai. DCPCU officers then seized his phone and uncovered handwritten records of victims’ personal and banking details, which he had used to carry out his crimes.

Whilst under investigation, Mattinson continued to carry out fraud, targeting a vulnerable elderly victim over the phone by posing as a bank employee. The fraudster persuaded the victim to reveal his banking and card details and convinced him to accept five parcels at his address before handing them over to a courier, with the man believing he was assisting in a legitimate fraud investigation.

The full extent of his crimes were uncovered in March 2026, when the DCPCU investigated further reports, this time also linking him to the unauthorised access of a victim's online bank account. The investigation linked four IP addresses to the activity and CCTV footage was uncovered of Mattinson making fraudulent purchases.

Mattinson pleaded guilty to all offences at Manchester Crown Court and was sentenced on 8 July 2026. Two individuals linked to the organised crime group were previously convicted and had received custodial sentences.

Detective Constable Dunn, said:

Mattinson was involved in a sophisticated, organised fraud targeting vulnerable people, showing little remorse for his actions.

“We urge members of the public to remain cautious if they receive unexpected calls claiming to be from their bank or the police. A genuine organisation will never ask you to hand over cards, share security details, move money or receive parcels as part of an investigation.

“This case shows how fraudsters will use a range of methods to target victims and to evade detection. Thanks to the close collaboration between the DCPCU and the banking industry, we were able to identify Mattinson and bring him to justice.