Dear Kent Residents
A police scam has been targeting residents this week in Maidstone, Ramsgate, Tonbridge, Dartford, Ashford, Sittingbourne, Rochester, Gillingham, Tunbridge Wells, Gravesend, Hythe, Canterbury, Romney Marsh and Broadstairs.
Residents are receiving phone calls falsely claiming their bank account has been compromised, their card needs replacing, a family member has been arrested, they must buy gold or a courier will come to collect their card, cash or gold.
These are scams. The police will never ask for your financial details over the phone or send someone to collect your card, cash, or valuables.
If this happens to you, call your bank immediately using 159 or report to Kent Police.
⚠️ Criminals targeting people in Canterbury city centre with distraction theft scam.
Criminals begin by following people to their car after they withdraw money from the bank, then create a distraction so another criminal can open the opposite door and steal the money. They may also use similar distraction tactics while following someone on foot to take cash from them.
How to protect yourself:
🚨Stay aware of your surroundings during and after using a cash machine
⚠️Be cautious if approached by strangers, especially near your car
✅Keep money and valuables out of sight
✅Lock your car doors as soon as you get in