Canterbury Scam Shocker: Resident Tricked by Fake Cop
A Canterbury resident was conned out of a large sum of cash on Monday, 21 March 2022. The victim received a chilling phone call from a fraudster posing as a Watford police officer. The caller claimed they had arrested a woman carrying a hefty amount of cash and accused the resident of supplying her with the money.
Scammer Pressure Leads to Bank Withdrawal and Courier Pickup
To ‘clear his name,’ the man was duped into withdrawing money from his bank account. A courier then swooped in that very day to collect the cash. It’s a classic scam trick – making you believe it’s the police protecting your money.
More Calls in Broadstairs and Birchington – Victims Wise Up
On Tuesday, 22 March, similar calls targeted people in Broadstairs and Birchington. The scammers this time claimed to be from Milton Keynes and Paddington police. Fortunately, these residents cut the calls short and refused to share any personal info.
Police Warn: Don’t Hand Over Your Cash or Details
Inspector Guy Thompson from Canterbury Community Safety Unit said: “Be alert to any callers claiming to be police asking for your bank cards or money to hand over to a courier.”
“These conmen try to spook you with talk of fraudulent activity or cloned cards, then pretend to protect your cash. But real police will never ask for bank details or money by phone. If you get such a call, end it immediately.”
Top Tips to Avoid Falling for This Scam
- Never hand money or items to a courier following a suspicious call.
- If unsure whether a caller is genuine, ask for their details and hang up.
- Wait at least five minutes, then ring 101 or 999 emergencies to verify the call.
Report It: Help Police Stop These Scammers
If you have any info about these scams, call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting ref: 46/54019/22.
You can also contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or report online.
For anonymous tips, reach out to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
