Dear Kent Residents
Residents across Kent are being warned to stay alert following reports of police and bank impersonation scams in several areas of the county.
Criminals are contacting residents pretending to be police officers or representatives from their bank. Some are claiming to be investigating serious fraud or criminal activity and using convincing stories to gain trust. Residents may then be asked for bank details, encouraged to move money, or persuaded to give scammers access to their devices or accounts.
Remember, never give your banking details, passwords or security codes to an unexpected caller, and never transfer money because someone contacting you tells you to.
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.
#ScamAlert ⚠️ We’ve received reports of criminals calling residents in Maidstone, Hythe, Chatham, Folkstone and Romney Marsh 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: https://loom.ly/0GG4H_c
If this happens to you:
☎️ Call your bank immediately using 159
➡️ Report it to Kent Police: https://loom.ly/kg53yqQ
#CourierFraud
⚠️ #ScamAlert – Beware of rogue locksmiths.
We’ve had a report of a resident in Kent being pressured into making a payment after calling a locksmith for help. The locksmith repeatedly asked for cash and took the resident to the bank, where they were coerced into making a payment.
How to protect yourself:
• Check the locksmith’s details and reviews before agreeing to a call-out.
• Ask about call-out fees and charges before work begins, and get the price in writing where possible.
• Never feel pressured into withdrawing cash, visiting a bank or making an immediate payment.
📞 Report and get advice:
➡️ CrimeStoppers (100% anonymous): 0800 555 111 or https://loom.ly/es89zdQ
➡️ If you feel threatened or are in immediate danger, call 999.
➡️ For advice: Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133
✅ Need work done? Use a safe local traders from KCC Trading Standards Checked: https://loom.ly/CAsm6xA
📣 Please warn vulnerable friends, neighbours and family.
⚠️ #ScamAlert – Doorstep criminals active! We’ve had reports of criminals going door to door in Maidstone.
They are offering driveway work, then claiming to find additional problems with residents’ roofs and demanding large sums of money for further repairs. Be cautious of anyone who unexpectedly identifies extra work that needs doing or pressures you into paying more money.
🚫 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 https://loom.ly/es89zdQ
➡️ 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: https://loom.ly/CAsm6xA
📣 Please warn vulnerable friends, neighbours and family.
⚠️ #ScamAlert – Doorstep criminals active! We’ve had reports of criminals going door to door in Sandwich and Gravesend.
They are asking residents pay upfront for work that has not been carried out. Residents have paid deposits or agreed amounts for home improvement work, but the traders have failed to return. In one case, the trader became aggressive when the resident asked for their money back.
🚫 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 https://loom.ly/es89zdQ
➡️ 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: https://loom.ly/CAsm6xA
📣 Please warn vulnerable friends, neighbours and family.