Man who scammed pensioner is charged

A suspected fraudster has been charged in connection with a scam where thousands of pounds were stolen from a Medway pensioner. On 18 July 2019 a woman in her 80s, from Gillingham, was contacted by people claiming to be from the police. She was told she could be owed compensation in relation to previous fraud offences carried out against her. It is alleged the victim was told fees were required in order to claim the compensation. The victim is reported to have then made a number of payments over 18 and 19 July, to a man who visited her home and who accompanied her to several places to withdraw money. An investigation was launched by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and on 8 November a suspect was arrested. Benjamin Lee, aged 18, of Church Road, Murston, Sittingbourne, was later charged with an offence of fraud by false representation. He was also charged with a further count of fraud by false representation in connection to a separate and unrelated offence. It is alleged that between August and September 2019 a victim aged in her 50s and from Chatham made upfront payments for landscaping works to her garden, but that no work was carried out. Mr Lee was remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 11 November.