Residents across Kent are being urged to stay alert as fraudsters continue to carry out bank and police impersonation scams across the county.
Scammers are calling residents pretending to be from a bank, fraud department, or the police, claiming their bank account has been compromised, their card needs replacing, or even that a family member has been arrested. Victims may be told to transfer money, buy gold, hand over their bank card, cash or valuables to a courier, or withdraw funds for “safekeeping”.
These are scams. Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account, buy gold, hand over your card, cash or valuables, or send someone to collect them.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and ensure the line is disconnected before contacting your bank directly using 159. Never use phone numbers provided by the caller.
Report to Kent Police and receive advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
⚠️ Kent County Council’s Assistive Technology has received reports that some residents across Kent are being targeted by scam callers claiming to represent Lifeline services.
These callers are reportedly encouraging Lifeline users to switch providers and are requesting bank details over the telephone to arrange payment for a supposed digital equipment upgrade. In some cases, residents have been told that failure to make payment could result in their Lifeline service being terminated.
🚨 This is a scam!
🚨 Do not give out any personal or financial information to these callers.
Kent County Council Assistive Technology Team will never call to ask for payment details for existing Kent County Council funded lifeline users.
If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up immediately and report it to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
If you have received a call and provided your bank details, please contact your bank immediately.
🚨 Thinking of buying a park home to live in permanently? Check before you commit.
Kent Trading Standards is urging anyone considering buying a park home or holiday home to check exactly what they’re purchasing.
Some buyers have discovered too late that their property could not legally be used as their permanent home.
Before buying, check:
✔️ The site licence and planning permission
✔️ Whether you can live there all year round
✔️ Pitch fees and extra charges
✔️ Site rules
✔️ The fit and proper person register
✔️ Independent legal advice
More information from AgeUK.
📞 For advice or to report concerns, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
⚠️ Doorstep criminals active this week in Ashford, Tonbridge, Margate and Chatham offering home improvement and repair services, taking deposits or payments upfront, then failing to complete the agreed work.
🚫 Do NOT engage with cold callers. Legitimate traders don’t turn up uninvited.
📞 If someone comes to your door or you see suspicious people going door to door, report it:
➡️ CrimeStoppers (100% anonymous): 0800 555 111 or online
➡️ If they refuse to leave or act aggressively, call 999.
➡️ For advice: Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133
✅ Need work done? Use a safe local traders from KCC Trading Standards Checked.
📣 Please warn vulnerable friends, neighbours and family.
⚠️ Scammers have been calling residents claiming to be from Citizens Advice.
Fraudsters often impersonate trusted organisations to make their calls seem credible and pressure people into sharing personal information or making payments.
✅ Be cautious if you receive an unexpected call about debt
✅ Never give out personal, banking or financial details over the phone
✅ Hang up and contact the organisation directly using official contact details to verify the call
✅ If you feel pressured to act quickly, take a step back and seek advice from someone you trust
➡️ Report: National Cyber Security Centre
➡️ Advice: Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133