Dear Kent Residents
A police scam has been targeting residents this week all across Kent, including Tunbridge Wells, Deal, Folkestone, Gillingham, Faversham, Hythe and Ashford.
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.
Watch how this scam works.
If this happens to you, call your bank immediately using 159 or report to Kent Police.
⚠️ Doorstep criminals active in Birchington and Ramsgate this week.
They have been claiming repairs are needed to residents’ roofs or lofts and quoting high prices for unnecessary 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.
⚠️ AI tools may recommend fake websites
National Trading Standards is warning consumers that criminals are manipulating AI tools and search results to promote scam websites that look like genuine retailers. These fake websites can take payment for goods that never arrive.
How to protect yourself:
❌Don’t assume a website is genuine because it appears in an AI search result
✅Check reviews on trusted platforms such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews
✅Verify websites using scam-checking tools such as Ask Silver or Get Safe Online
🚨Take a few moments to check the site’s details before entering personal or payment information
📞 Need advice or want to report a scam?
Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or report fraud.