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Hermione Granger online scammer tricks vulnerable man

Eleri Griffiths
BBC News
Warner Bros Hermione, with light brown wavy hair, wearing a plaid blue and purple jacket and pink scarf and holding a wooden wand out in front of her.Warner Bros
The vulnerable resident believed he was talking to fictional character Hermione Granger, played by Emma Watson in the Harry Potter films

A vulnerable man was targeted by an online scammer who tricked him into believing he had befriended Harry Potter character Hermione Granger.

The resident of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, thought he was speaking to the fictional teacher's pet and friend of the title character in the series, written by JK Rowling and played by actor Emma Watson in the major film franchise adaptations.

The fraudster asked the vulnerable resident for money, but a police community support officer (PCSO) was able to convince the victim he was being scammed.

Now, Rachel O'Neill has been recognised for using the "strong" trust she has built up with the community to protect the resident.

"It has taken a long time to build up trust in the community and explain that I am here to help," said Ms O'Neill, who has spent six years with the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team.

She said while it took time for the "penny to drop" in this case, she was pleased serious harm had been prevented and that she was able to use the experience to offer education on scammers and how they operate.

The 45-year-old mum-of-three said some vulnerable adults in her community were once "so frightened of the police", but have grown in confidence.

"When people see a familiar face, they learn to trust you and they therefore will feel more comfortable to talk to the police and report any suspicious behaviour," she said.

Dyfed-Powys Police Rachel standing alongside a sergeant who is holding her trophy and has her arm around Rachel's shoulder. They are both stood on a dark stage with a large flower display behind them. Both women are looking and smiling at the camera. Rachel, on the left, is wearing a white shirt with a blue tie and black trousers. The officer next to her is wearing a black suit, a white shirt and a black and white chequered tie. Dyfed-Powys Police
PCSO Rachel O'Neill was recognised for protecting a vulnerable adult from an online scam

Ms O'Neill was voted winner of the We Care Award at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards and honoured at a ceremony on 4 July.

The awards, voted for entirely by the public, celebrates Dyfed-Powys Police officers, staff or volunteers who have made a difference in their community.

One voter described Ms O'Neill as "always looking for ways to help people and improve her patch".

Another said she was "always open, friendly, and easy to approach," adding Ms O'Neill ensured each individual felt "seen, heard, and understood" and "works hard until the answers are found".

Dyfed-Powys Police described Ms O'Neill as a "well-known and respected face in the town" and praised her dedication to safeguarding and community projects.

Ms O'Neill said she felt "very privileged" and "humbled" to win the award, describing the community recognition as "incredibly special."

"Everybody knows how much I love and value my job," she added.

Dyfed-Powys Police Glan Thomas holding his trophy on the stage alongside a sergeant on stage. Both are looking at the camera. Behind them is a large flower arrangement. Glan, on the left, is wearing a black and white suit with a maroon tie. On the right, the sergeant is wearing a black officer's suit with a white shirt and black tie.Dyfed-Powys Police
At the awards ceremony, Glan Thomas received the Chief Constable's outstanding achievement award for his 40 years of leadership in forensic services

Also praised at the awards were runners-up PCSO Jonathan Crayford, described as the "backbone of the community", and PCSO Matthew Kieboom, who "goes above and beyond even when off duty".

Glan Thomas received the Chief Constable's outstanding achievement award for his 40 years of leadership in forensic services and key roles in many major cases, including the operation focusing on the abduction and murder of five-year-old April Jones, in 2012.