Canterbury residents receive advice on staying safe from fraud
Residents in Canterbury were given top tips on protecting themselves from courier fraud and other scams during a crime prevention talk given by Kent Police.
At an event held at St Dunstan’s Parish Church Hall in the city on Wednesday 15 June 2022, Kent Police’s Prevent and Protect Fraud Officer, Stephen Kelly, spoke to members of the Canterbury Active Retirement Association (CARA).
Advice was given on the different types of fraud reported to the force, including courier fraud, in which victims, usually elderly, are phoned by a fraudster pretending to be a police officer, who will then convince them to hand over cash as part of a fake investigation. A courier is sent round to the victim’s home to collect their money.
Stephen said: ‘Police will never ask you to withdraw cash from your bank or ask for your bank cards for them to collect by courier to assist with an investigation. If you get a call like this it is a scam.
‘Although many people know to be guarded when they receive such calls, there are still some who believe it is genuine, so it is important to speak to friends and family and make sure they are aware of the scam.
‘Speaking to local groups around Kent about fraud is important as it helps us to keep people safe. I received a lovely welcome in Canterbury and I hope the residents found it useful.’
A total of 25 events have already been attended by the Fraud Protect and Prevent Team around Kent during 2022. Up to 20 future events are planned in the coming months, in areas including Whitstable, Tonbridge, Ashford and Medway. For more details, or to arrange an event, email Stephen.Kelly@kent.police.uk
Key tips for avoiding fraud:
• Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
• Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
• Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
• Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
• Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
• If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you’ll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
• Remember the ABC of fraud awareness to help protect yourself and others against fraud – never Assume or Believe a phone call, email or text is genuine, and always Confirm the person’s identity.