Residents in East Kent are on high alert after multiple attempts by fraudsters to trick people into handing over money by posing as police officers.
On Thursday, December 11, four separate residents in Herne Bay, High Halden, Hythe, and Thanet received identical phone calls from individuals claiming to be officers from ‘Hammersmith Police’.
The fraudsters’ goal was to panic victims by falsely claiming a relative had been arrested or the victim’s bank account had been compromised. Fortunately, all victims immediately recognised the scam and ended the calls, preventing any loss. To protect others share this warning with family members and neighbours, especially pensioners, who may be vulnerable to these tactics.
Detective Constable Mark Newman said:
‘I would urge Kent residents, particularly the elderly, to be a wary of criminals attempting to defraud them over the phone. In recent months we have received reports of offenders impersonating police investigators, sometimes from Hammersmith police station or from fraud squads.
‘Please remember, a police officer would never ask a member of the public for their bank details or money over the phone. Never hand over any money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call.
‘If you are not confident a person who calls you claiming to be from the police is genuine, ask to take their details and end the call. Wait for at least five minutes for the call to clear and then contact 101, or 999 in an emergency. A call handler will be able to verify whether your caller was genuine.’
Relatives of pensioners and other vulnerable people are urged to alert them to calls from unknown people and how to respond. Anybody with information relating to these incidents is urged to call the appeals line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 11-0590. You can also contact Report Fraud on 0300 1232040 or online by visiting their website.