Kent Crime Team Hits Sevenoaks to Tackle Sneaky Courier Scams
On Friday 15 July 2022, Steve Kelly and Rob Slade from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate’s Protect and Prevent team toured 14 businesses in Sevenoaks. Their mission? To warn staff about the rising threat of courier fraud targeting vulnerable elderly victims.
Courier Fraud: The Dirty Trick Targeting the Elderly
This scam typically sees criminals posing as police officers or bank staff, persuading victims to withdraw large sums of cash “for an investigation.” Then, a courier arrives to snatch the money right from their doorstep.
“Sadly, elderly people are the prime targets,” said Steve Kelly. “Many don’t regularly use the internet and aren’t familiar with the tricks fraudsters use to swipe their hard-earned cash.”
Sevenoaks Businesses Join Forces to Fight Back
Kelly and Slade praised local shops and charities for helping spread the word. “Together, we put criminals on the back foot by sharing vital crime prevention tips with customers,” Steve added.
Remember the ABCs to Beat Fraudsters
Kelly’s key advice: stick to the ABC rule to stay safe.
- Assume nothing without proof.
- Believe only when you’re sure who you’re dealing with.
- Confirm all details before handing over cash.
With scams evolving all the time, staying sharp is your best defence against losing money to fraud.
