Police Crack Down on Scams Targeting Vulnerable Adults
Between 21 and 29 March 2022, fraud prevention officers visited Bemix, a charity supporting people with learning difficulties, to raise the alarm about rising scam threats.
Top Tips to Spot a Scam
Sophie Carroll, North Kent’s Fraud Prevention Officer, teamed up with Community Liaison Officer Claire Croucher to deliver no-nonsense advice. They warned attendees to:
- Pause and think before handing over cash
- Challenge strangers to prove who they are
- Never share personal details on request
The pair also stressed the importance of contacting your bank immediately if you fall victim to a scam.
Protecting Our Most Trusting Citizens
Sophie Carroll said: “People with learning difficulties tend to be more trusting. Criminals exploit that to con them out of money or possessions. These sessions are vital to arm the most vulnerable with the knowledge to recognise and avoid scams.”
Terie Fielder, Bemix’s Project Leader for Swale, praised the officers’ visit. She said: “Many of our people are classed as vulnerable, so Sophie and Claire’s visit was incredibly helpful. Everyone left better equipped to spot fraud and stay safe.”
