A fraud warning to solar panel owners following the arrest of four people across Kent has been issued in connection with a nationwide cold-calling scam targeting elderly residents.
Detectives investigating reports of widespread fraudulent activity made the arrests in Whitstable and Herne Bay after victims reported being duped out of payments for unnecessary maintenance and upgrades between 2023 and 2026. Investigators revealed that the alleged work was never completed, and several victims who requested their money back were refused refunds.
The latest enforcement action took place on Tuesday 14 July 2026, when officers arrested a 36-year-old man from Whitstable and a 39-year-old man from Herne Bay. A 37-year-old woman from Whitstable was taken into custody on 9 July, while a 65-year-old man was arrested during an earlier phase of the investigation last year. A further suspect was interviewed under caution without being arrested.
All four suspects were questioned on suspicion of fraud and money laundering offences before being released under investigation. As part of the ongoing probe, police officers executed search warrants at four separate addresses in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Cambridgeshire.
Following the arrests, officers urged homeowners with solar panels to remain vigilant against unexpected approaches from salespeople.
Detective Constable Darren Ousby said:
‘Don’t feel pressured into paying for a deal quickly. Legitimate companies will give you time to review the offer rather than insisting you accept it immediately. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
‘In most cases, the victims are elderly, so if you have elderly relatives, friends or neighbours, take time to speak to them and ensure they are aware of the risk of fraud and what to do if they are approached. If anything seems suspicious and you believe it might be a scam, report it to police immediately.’