Forum Topic

beware of " Lorna Fern" asking for money in Horn Lane area.

I have been duped by a very pretty, well spoken white girl in her 20's calling herself Lorna Fern. She approached me on my street with a convincing story plus a display of emotions that made my heart to go out to her. She knows the area well because she was able to give me information about the neighbouring streets, addresses and( what turned out to be false) contact address and phone number. I gave her money which she promised to give back because she was a neighbour. This happened at 08.00 in the morning. I have since found out that one of my other kind neighbours also did the same. I think I have learned that it is still important to give to those in need but don't necessarily believe them when they say they will give it back!

Kyria- Josephine Sewell ● 3452d67 Comments

Multiple Ferninators - a frightening prospect.

Richard Foster ● 3128d

I'm sorry to report that Lorna was back on Horn Lane last night about 10.00pm. She wanted food, or money for food, even a sandwich, and claimed to be homeless. We addressed her by name, but she said that there were two women who looked alike locally, and that we were mistaken in thinking she was Lorna. She had gone by the time I returned from Sainsbury, but there was a drug deal taking place on the same spot.

Maire Lowe ● 3128d

Thanks Joseph, thought as I had mention leaflets that she meant bumph or bumf it is spelt in two different ways.

Janice Evans ● 3187d

Keep meaning to say that I met Lorna on Horn Lane. She answers to the name Lorna by the way. I explained to her that the local community were on to her. Suggested she look here to see what was being said, and that we could see her presence on other social media. Photos of her were being circulated and she should be aware that complaints had been made.She listened cautiously to what I had to say, then mentioned that she had been reduced to begging because of discrimination against "people like her"I got the feeling that she heard my warning clearly and I haven't seen any further reports of her asking for money. I haven't seen the elderly Muslim gentleman who used to call me sister and ask me for £1 either.Gently does it.

Maire Lowe ● 3187d

It's term used on forums like this. It when someone leaves an unrelated message to 'bump' the thread back up the list so other users are more likely to be made aware of it.

Joseph Jones ● 3187d

Bumph ?

Janice Evans ● 3199d

bump

Philippa Bond ● 3201d

Some banks send leaflets explaining about all types of telephone scams which helps make people aware, the roofing scams etc its unlikely they would get to hear about those and as John said must stop giving to all the 'Lorna's' out there.

Janice Evans ● 3282d

Kim,how right you are,if we all took the precautions we should take the scammers would have a lean time.regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3282d

Of course none of us, who have access to this type of media will get scammed, we are made aware of all the current scams. But there are plenty of people, especially the elderly who are not on social media, and make perfect targets for these scum bags. Whether it is the latest version of Lorna Fern, Or the 'kind, ever so polite roofer' who offers to clean your elderly neighbours gutters while displacing tiles and offering her a deal to fix the roof. And then there is the phone scams of scrotes pretending to call from your bank... These are the victims of these crimes which we need to get the  message to. It only takes a couple of successful hits to make the scam pay and keep them in business. So make sure all your elderly neighbours are kept informed.

Kim Rugg ● 3282d

Janice,of course you are right,but let stop giving her money etc, this will cease,hopefully the Police are monitoring this story and will act sometime?regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3283d

And need to get to the people behind the scam, she is just a 'worker' I would think.

Janice Evans ● 3283d

Against her human rights?????

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3283d

Perhaps a photo and a brief message about her posted onto a few dozen lampposts in the are might help. But I'm sure there are too many local  lily livered apologists to ever do anything like that..

Keith Iddon ● 3284d

Yes that's definitely her, she stopped me around 12.45pm this afternoon near the gypsy corner shops with the same story of family on holiday, 2year old at home, needs £8.50 to put on electricity meter. She seemed very convincing even welling up at one point saying how embarrassed she was at having to ask a stranger for money and she could give her address to give the money back. Had I not seen this post a few weeks ago and genuinely not had any cash I probably would've gave her something but I'm glad I was aware. Surely she must realise that people know who she is now and know her 'story' - is there anything that can be done about it? I know several elderly people in the area who would be easy targets for a woman like this, I'd hate to think of them being conned out of their pension.

Laura Gilroy ● 3284d

Could be the one. My wife thinks that this may be the woman she encountered back in February, although it was late at night and a few months ago so she's not entirely certain that this woman in the picture is the same one.That being said, I walked past this woman on Goldsmith Rd about an hour ago (15:15 - 15:30). Looks like she has quite a range if it is the infamous 'Lorna Fern'.

Joseph Jones ● 3284d

Is this 'Lorna Fern' trying to scam money around Cecil Rd today? See https://twitter.com/ronthorp/status/859026168703582208

Ron Thorp ● 3284d

Copy that for upset bloke with 'broken' leg outside Shepherds Bush tube / chap haunting the 207 bus stop there asking for money for a hostel / blonde begging outside Tesco in Acton Vale ( am reliably informed its for drugs) / middle aged woman asking for bus fare to get home to sick child ( or whatever) between Hammersmith Mall and Askew Road. I hate that the sob stories take advantage of people's good nature. At least straight up begging isn't playing that game even if it is feeding a habit.  A  name and shame Facebook site would be a brilliant idea

dale evans ● 3284d

'There is an active thread on a local facebook group '- can you post it here please?

dale evans ● 3284d

Over the weekend she threatened to assault someone who confronted her (thanks to the warning from this thread) and has threatened others that 'she knows where they live'. There is an active thread on a local facebook group where about 15 other people have stated they  have been approached and/or conned by her and she has been reported to the police.

Victoria Wells ● 3290d

Do we know approximately where she lives? Between us we can produce a number of reports. I think we can involve the great Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Maire Lowe ● 3290d

Nice one Maria. Perhaps she'll start to realise that you can only scam a community for so long before word gets around.

Joseph Jones ● 3292d

I was approached by a very 'distressed' Lorna on Thursday in Summerlands Avenue. I listened to her sob story then advised her she was quite a celebrity on the Acton web site.

Maria Pettit ● 3292d

Catherine,how right you are,handled with intelligence and understanding,and hopefully  no money changed hands,normally aperson is waiting nearby to secure the donation made,they make a great deal of income with this scam.regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3300d

I have seen her. She stopped me on Goldsmith Avenue. Very calm and polite and apologised that she needed to ask me for money. She told me she had a two year old child "at home with a social worker" and that she desperately needed money to put onto an electricity card because her electricity had run out. She told me that her mother lived locally but was away on holiday. I am afraid I suggested that she should tell whoever she was working for that the people in our neighbourhood are not so easily conned. She seemed surprised. Clearly she was begging on her own behalf. I suspect some of these people, especially young girls, are controlled and sent out to beg by some sort of what I would describe as "gang-masters" for want of a better word, who then take the money off them.

Catherine Kraft ● 3301d

ITS YOUR MONEY,ANOTHER CON,John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3303d

On another tangent, I have seen a chap begging for money at the bottom of the steps at Acton Town Tube in the evenings and  yesterday afternoon. He is after spare change in order to be able to afford a hostel bed for the night.Really hope it is not another con.

Tony Crumpton ● 3304d

Keith,on the fiddle more likely,social and rent paid etc,and a nice little earner on the side,taking in gullible people willing to part with their money after listening to yet another pack of lies and a sob story,get real give her nothing but a short shift,goodbye and start pedaling.regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3304d

She is often visibly distressed;  the level of which depends upon how close she is to her next "fix". There is frequently a story about a small child and the fact that she needs to put money urgently on her gas/electricity card.

Felicity Georghiades ● 3307d

Do I hear someone playing a violin..?

Keith Iddon ● 3358d

She is actually an amazing actress! I saw her again two weeks ago in Essex road. I confronted her but hopefully in a kind, not threatening way. She did not answer when I called her name "Lorna" saying that her name was actually Louise. To this I said "you told me your name was Lorna and you told me you had a son named Ben" she then opened her handbag to show me a nice picture of Ben proving that it was true. ! Nice handbag, snazzy phone inside, nice make- up bag. Again lots of promises that she would pay me back- she was on her way to work now as a cleaner and would drop it in later.........I hope I see her again, maybe next time I will try to photo her??? I feel sad for her really because she cannot be more than mid- twenties and must be quite desperate to come up with so many lies. If Ben exists, I feel VERY sorry for him.

Mrs. Kyria.J. Sewell ● 3358d

Sounds more like a loony to me. Seriously, this woman is either an alcoholic or a junkie and should be ignored.

Bob Little ● 3358d

Probably best to report this to the police. It's not nice to hear of people taking advantage of others' good nature. There is such a lovely community spirit in Acton and I don't want to see that ruined by someone who abuses it

Jess Gatford ● 3358d

Seems as though this woman is still at it. My wife was approached by her last night on Acacia Road and, as she was in emotional distress, gave her £12.50 which she promised she would repay this morning. She gave my wife a telephone number and address (which was on Acacia Rd itself). My wife tried the number and called it to verify that it was her phone, which it was. I have been to the address this morning and it is split into flats, and no-one answered the door when I rang all the bells. I then called the verified phone number and the woman who answered the call denied knowledge of the event and stated I had called the wrong number and hung-up. My wife's description of the woman matches that given here. She went by the name 'Luna' this time (although my wife may have misheard her - Luna and Lorna being very similar).Sadly it seems we have a scam artist living local to the Churchfield area of Acton, one who takes advantage of people's desire to help others who seem in genuine need.

Joseph Jones ● 3358d

Same young girl approached me at lunchtime in ealing. Now, given that I recognised her, it was odd that she didn't recognise me as I have very distinctive hair. Anyway I decided to engage this time. Said she was a stranger in London,didn't know anyone, nowhere to go and started crying while holding out her oyster card. I asked where she was from and she told me Romania. Odd that her English improved with every sentence. Anyway, I merely said I was concerned about her and I'd happily escort and pay for her tube fare to take her to the safety of her embassy, since she's alone and vulnerable I don't want to repeat the total abuse, in English,that followed. I didn't even know half those swear words.

Donna Fraser ● 3445d

Ha, a pound, apparently if you ask every passenger leaving the Station on a Friday Night for a £ you can end up with £60

Janice Evans ● 3445d

I think I know the chap you are talking about Phillippa - he also frequented Askew Road and always asked for "30p".I remember seeing him a few years later still asking for 30p.  I was going to suggest he shifts with inflation and started asking for 45p.

Richard Foster ● 3445d

There was a chap used to ask my Dad for money so he could feed his dog, as my Dad was fond of animals he always gave it to him, in the end he couldn't get rid of him and he would be knocking at the door all hours in the end we had to tell him to go away and not come back or the police would be informed.  He never did call back but this is the sort of problem you have to be careful of sometimes being kind can back fire.

Janice Evans ● 3445d

Also nowadays a lot of people do work but don't earn enough and are therefore also on benefits.  You keep hearing of people who have been sanctioned and had their benefits stopped which has meant that they then can't afford to get to work or buy enough food.  It used to be that the number that you were given for phoning re Job Seekers Allowance was an 0845 number.  Many people who would be contacting them would only have a mobile phone from which calling these numbers is very expensive.  Sometimes it can take a long time for your enquiries to be dealt with once the phone has been answered at the switchboard.  It can also be very expensive (or used to be) trying to deal with gas, electricity and water authorities like this.

Philippa Bond ● 3445d

Philippa,of course you are right,we all tend to lock our selves away in our so called castles,our society today does not give the security it once did,lack of police on the streets does not help,like the dodo,nearly extinct,most of our neighbors are strangers  these days,and the days of leaving the door open have long gone!!!!!!regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3445d

Most of the people who beg in this way,because that's what it is, are not badly dressed or look like they are going hungry but are just short of a few quid on that day imo. There are obviously more needy cases and it is up to the individual to decide at the time whether to give money etc. There is a chap in Chiswick who just sits outside Robert Dyas ususlly. He doesn't openly beg or approach anyone.I buy him a butty and some fruit now and again or summat hot in the winter. He always thanks me. Charities do say that giving money can deter people from trying t get work and re-enter active society for want of a better expression because if people can make a living from begging why bother to work?

Keith Iddon ● 3445d

Well you will also see people asking for a couple of quid who then promptly go into the betting shop...  There used to be a chap in King Street  Hammersmith... all the kids knew that.  Give them something and you will be aiding and abetting their habit.People used to know their neighbours and their community. They don't any more.  Instead they can shut themselves off and die at home and not be found for months.I still say that you have to make your own decision and just be aware that you may be being taken for a ride.

Philippa Bond ● 3445d

Donna,Well said,we all know who we can trust and help or be helped if needed,with the society in the state it is in care need to be taken with strangers etc,to protect our own well being!!!!However Donna you were right,regards,John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3446d

I smoke, although I've gone from 40 a day to 4. I can guarantee you that I get asked for a cigarette from total strangers at least 6 times a day every day. When I say no, they're too expensive, I get all manner of abuse, "it's only one". When you point out they're not the only one and the financial implications, you get looked at as though you're mad. Latest scam in central ealing is a couple of very young looking girls who say can't speak English and put an oyster card in front of you asking for money to get a bus. Same girls I spotted drinking and laughing in Acton, speaking good English. Sorry for the rant but bottom line has to be give them nothing.

Donna Fraser ● 3446d

I think most of us have been approached at some time by people with sob stories.  I think the best of all is to know your neighbours and who you can ask for help.  Sharing the stories as I've often seen shows when there is a recurrent problem.  We don't want to become a society where everybody pretends they just don't see and walks on by.

Philippa Bond ● 3446d

Well done Keith,wish others would see the light!!!!!regards John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3446d

In Brentford we  used to periodically get a 'distressed'(in more ways than one) 30 odd year old blonde fake crying and flapping her arms about wanting money for petrol to go and visit her sick mum blah blah blah and I fell for it once but next time I gave her a piece of my mind ,(not that I have a lot to spare) rather than money. She didn't like that...

Keith Iddon ● 3446d

LOL Keith.  This sort of problem sounds like exactly the sort of thing that could be discussed at the Cuppa with a Copper initiatives.

Philippa Bond ● 3446d

My mate Bert Madagascar is..

Keith Iddon ● 3449d

No man is an island

Philippa Bond ● 3449d

I stick by what I said before,DO NOT GIVE MONEY,YOU ARE  BEING TAKEN FOR A RIDE,the only thing people give me is problems?

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3449d

Two women in Acton Park tried to scam me a couple of weeks ago with a story about an injured dog.  I was almost duped - it is natural to want to believe people are telling the truth.Another woman, claiming to be a neighbour, knocked on our door asking if she could take some of our lavender. Believing her to be a neighbour we said of course, and she preceded to hack our lavender and leave it in a mess.Is it a coincidence that there have been  travellers camped in Acton Park the last few weeks?

Richard Foster ● 3449d

That though is very selfish.  There are a lot of people in this country struggling with working on zero hours contracts and using the food banks.  Even the universities are now using zero hour contracts for their teaching staff.  Many people are in jobs but are also on benefits.The cost of housing is very high and it seems more and more expensive flats are being built but with the developers managing to avoid building the affordable housing that they are supposed to build as part of their development.  And affordable still isn't affordable to many.It doesn't take much going wrong for life to spiral out of control.

Philippa Bond ● 3449d

EASY DON'T GIVE HER ANY MONEY,SIMPLES,!!!!!!!!OR ANYONE ELSE,John.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3449d

Yes this is the problem what can be done about her is it a case for police involvement.

Janice Evans ● 3449d

Unfortunately when someone appears to be scamming people for money they may or may not desperately need it then makes it more difficult for those who are truly in need.

Philippa Bond ● 3450d

Sadly I think I met this young lady about 8 am on Shakespeare Road a couple of months ago. She did tell me a story about a child and an electricity bill and said she would pay me back. I dont know whether I believed her but I did think she was upset.

Maire Lowe ● 3450d

Hahaha Bob , funny

Donna Fraser ● 3451d

Keith, lol 😅

Donna Fraser ● 3451d

Lol

Janice Evans ● 3451d

Horny Lane.

Bob Little ● 3451d

In Horn Lane apparently!!

Janice Evans ● 3451d

It's probably not that difficult to find a pretty and young woman who wants your attention for some money Bob.;-)

Keith Iddon ● 3451d

Bob, thank you for cheering me up! I laughed at this.

Mrs. Kyria.J. Sewell ● 3451d

I've been waiting years for a pretty young woman in her 20's to approach me in the street,unfortunatly it never happens.

Bob Little ● 3451d

Also they do this to find out if you have cash on you, sadly its best not to oblige and just say you have nothing with you.

Janice Evans ● 3451d

Lesson to be learned,I no longer give Money at Supermarkets,at the door,Etc.I have heard all the sob stories and now take on notice!!!!!

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3451d