Police and HSBC Join Forces to Stop Fraudsters in Their Tracks
On Thursday 3 November 2022, Emma Swietochowski-Hay, Fraud Prevention Co-ordinator at Kent Police, teamed up with HSBC reps at The Herne Centre, St Martin’s View. Their mission? To arm the local community with vital crime prevention tips and hand out info on how to dodge scams.
Banks and Police: A Powerful Anti-Fraud Duo
HSBC staff are trained to spot dodgy behaviour, working closely with Kent Police across the county. Through the UK-wide Banking Protocol, bank staff can alert police if they suspect a customer is being scammed. Officers can swoop in right away – sometimes making arrests on the spot.
Collaboration Saves Vulnerable Victims
- On 6 October 2022, a pensioner in Gillingham almost lost a fortune. Bank staff raised the alarm when he tried to withdraw a huge sum. Police moved quickly and arrested four men.
- Back in August, bank staff in Broadstairs raised similar concerns. Police protected a vulnerable person and nabbed three suspects.
Emma said: “Our partnership with banks has stopped countless scams, especially those pushing vulnerable people to withdraw large cash for fake home repairs.
“Not everyone’s online – these events reach those who may be unaware of risks. Many vulnerable folks rarely leave their homes or socialise. It’s crucial to spread the word. Please watch out for neighbours and advise them not to be pressured into any work they didn’t ask for.”
Lola Durodola, Local Director at HSBC, added: “It was great having Emma from Kent Police at our community event. We’re proud to work together to share money safety tips and keep people protected.”
