Police Impersonators Targeting Pensioners in Shocking Scam
Fraud squads are sounding the alarm over crooks posing as police officers on the phone, tricking vulnerable folks into handing over bank details and cash.
Fake Police Calls Hit Elderly Hard
October has seen a spike in bogus calls where crooks claim there’s a bank fraud investigation. They pressure victims to surrender bank cards, PINs, or cash “for their own protection.” Then, a courier – often arriving by taxi – swoops in to collect the loot. Sometimes victims are even whisked to the bank to withdraw their savings.
£2,600 Stolen in Shocking Otford Scam
On 29 October, a vulnerable Otford resident was duped into handing over his bank cards and PIN after a supposed alert about stolen cash. Within hours, scammers had drained over £2,000 and spent £600 in retail shops.
That same day, another Otford pensioner narrowly escaped after a man demanding her bank cards was chased off when she rang Kent Police. She’d already unwittingly given her PIN over the phone.
Trust No One: Police Warn to Stay Sharp
A Dartford man was nearly caught after fraudsters spoofed the Kent Police caller ID. He grew suspicious, checked at his local station, and dodged a major scam.
Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur said: “Criminals aren’t giving up, and they’re still succeeding sometimes. It’s vital we protect our elderly and vulnerable loved ones from these heartless thieves.”
“Police will never ask you to withdraw money or hand over your bank details. If you get a suspicious call, hang up, wait five minutes, then ring 101 to verify.”
“And a shout-out to taxi drivers: stay alert for anyone collecting odd packages or making passengers withdraw large sums.”
“Remember the ABC rule to beat fraud: Assume nothing, Believe only when sure, and always Confirm.”
