Phone Fraudsters Target Local Residents

Swale residents are being reminded to be vigilant following multiple attempts to steal cash by criminals posing as police officers on the phone.

Between Monday (28th April) and Tuesday (29th April), Kent Police received 13 reports of attempted fraud in Sittingbourne and Faversham, with offenders claiming there had been criminal activity linked to victims’ bank accounts. The suspects then instructed them to withdraw large amounts of cash which would be collected by a courier, to assist the investigation.

Inspector Julia Bassindale told SFM News:- "While most of those who received these calls suspected they were bogus, one of the victims had around £7,000 in cash stolen and an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances. These criminals can be very persuasive and will often target pensioners and other vulnerable people in our communities. Please remember, a police officer would never ask a member of the public for their bank details or money over the phone. If you receive a similar call, the advice is to hang up immediately and report it to Kent Police.'

Kent Police have issed further advice:-

• If you are not confident a person who calls you claiming to be a police officer 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.
• Never hand over any money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call.

Anybody with any information relating to these incidents is urged to call the appeals line on 01795 419 119, quoting reference 46/70456/25. Alternatively you can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40 or report suspicious activity online by visiting their website: actionfraud.police.uk.