Kent Police and HSBC Join Forces to Tackle Fraudsters
Emma Swietochowski-Hay, Kent Police’s Fraud Prevention Co-ordinator, teamed up with HSBC reps on 3 November 2022 at The Herne Centre, St Martin’s View. Their mission: to arm the local community with vital crime prevention tips and crucial info on dodging scams.
Bank Staff on the Frontline Against Scams
HSBC employees are trained to spot dodgy behaviour. Many local businesses work hand-in-hand with Kent Police to shield customers from fraud. Thanks to the UK-wide Banking Protocol, bank staff can alert police immediately if they suspect a scam. This quick action often leads to on-the-spot police visits and arrests.
Real-Life Heroics Stop Scammers in Their Tracks
On 6 October 2022, a Gillingham pensioner nearly fell victim to fraudsters. Bank staff sounded the alarm after he tried to withdraw a huge sum. Their swift action led to the arrest of four suspects. Similarly, in Broadstairs on 9 August, bank concerns helped rescue a vulnerable customer and nab three men.
Protecting the Vulnerable and Raising Awareness
Emma told us: “Our joint efforts with banks have stopped many scams, especially involving rogue traders pressuring people to pay for fake home repairs. Many don’t have internet access, so events like this are vital to reach and protect them. We urge everyone to look out for neighbours, challenge strangers calling or knocking, and never feel pressured into unwanted work.”
Lola Durodola, Local Director at HSBC, added: “We’re proud to partner with Kent Police to deliver financial education and safety tips. Keeping people’s money safe and raising fraud awareness is a top priority for us all.”
