Fraud advice given to residents living near Ashford

Fraud advice has been given to residents in the Headcorn, Tenterden and Biddenden areas at the latest community protection event attended by Kent Police.

During the event at Chart Hills Golf Club on Thursday 6 May 2022, members of the Tenterden Probus Club were given tips on how to avoid being scammed.

Stephen Kelly, Kent Police’s Prevent and Protect Fraud Officer, visited the club as part of ongoing work to reduce fraud offences against older people.

Events

Stephen said: ‘We know from reports we receive that, sadly, retired and elderly people are more likely to be targeted by fraudsters, online, over the phone and in person.

‘For this reason, we are very keen to go out and meet people wherever we can and share with them the benefit of our experience in handling and responding to scams.

‘I am pleased this event allowed us to reach another group of people and we have a continuing schedule of events planned for the rest of the year. I would urge anyone interested to get in touch and attend one of the events.’

A total of 22 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.

Tips

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 or clicking here: Action Fraud.

• 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.