Dear Kent Residents
Residents have been targeted by bank impersonation scam calls this week in Ashford, Maidstone, Cranbrook, Sevenoaks and Sittingbourne.
Scammers are calling residents pretending to be from a bank fraud department or “fraud squad”, claiming there is a problem with their account. They may ask victims to transfer money to a “safe” account, hand over their bank card to a courier, or withdraw cash and send it through the post.
These are scams. Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account, hand over your card, or send cash by post.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and ensure the line is disconnected before contacting your bank directly using 159. Never use phone numbers provided by the caller.
Report and receive advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
⚠️ Criminals have been calling residents in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Rochester, Chatham and Gravesend 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
⚠️ Criminals have been going door to door in Tonbridge, Margate and Dover, pressuring residents into unnecessary home repairs, demanding large sums of money, and acting aggressively to gain 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.