Dear Kent Residents,
Doorstep criminals have been active this week in Ashford, Gravesend, Deal, Tonbridge and Maidstone pressuring residents into paying for unnecessary roofing, gardening, drain and rubbish clearing work. Please be alert and warn your vulnerable friends and family to never respond to cold callers as you will pay a high cost for unnecessary and poor-quality work. If you need work done on your home or garden use a safe, local trader from Trading Standards Checked.
Report cold callers anonymously to the charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here. For further advice call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Criminals have been calling residents in Canterbury, Dartford, Rochester and Herne Bay impersonating police officers.
Residents are being called and told: – Their bank account has been compromised – Their card needs replacing – A family member has been arrested – They must buy gold – A courier will 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.
Watch how this scam works If this happens to you:
Call your bank immediately using 159. Report it to Kent Police
Residents have been targeted by a scam call where someone claims their Amazon account had been used. The caller then asked for personal information including date of birth and bank card details. Remember: Legitimate organisations like Amazon will never ask for sensitive information in this way.
If you receive an unexpected call, don’t share personal or financial details. Always contact your bank or the company directly using official contact details. If you’re unsure, hang up and check. It’s always safer to verify. Please share this to help protect others, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
Report: Report Fraud Advice: Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133.