East Kent Hit by Phone Scam Pretending to Be Police
East Kent residents have been warned to stay alert after fraudsters tried to con cash by posing as police officers over the phone.
Imposters Target Locals with Fake Police Calls
On Thursday 11 December 2025, scammers rang up four people in Herne Bay, High Halden, Hythe, and Thanet. They claimed to be officers from Hammersmith Police and spun a tale about relatives being arrested, putting victims’ bank accounts at risk.
Luckily, some elderly targets spotted the scam straight away and hung up.
Warning from Police: Don’t Get Fooled
“I would urge Kent residents, particularly the elderly, to be wary of criminals trying to defraud them over the phone,” said Detective Constable Mark Newman. “A police officer will NEVER ask for bank details or money on the phone. DON’T hand over cash or goods to couriers after these calls.”
He added: “If you’re unsure about a caller claiming to be police, ask for their details and then hang up. Wait five minutes before calling 101 or 999 to check if the call was genuine.”
Look Out for Elderly Friends and Family
Relatives of vulnerable or elderly people should warn them about these sneaky scams and advise on how to respond safely.
If you have any info, call the appeals line on 01843 222289, quoting reference 11-0590. You can also report fraud via 0300 123 2040 or online at the official Report Fraud website.
