West Kent Residents Targeted by Police Impersonators in Scam Spree
West Kent is on alert after conmen pretending to be police officers tried to swipe cash from locals. On 18 April 2019, a woman from Tunbridge Wells and a pensioner from Tonbridge both received chilling phone calls from scammers claiming to be from Hammersmith police.
Scam Story Unfolds: Cloned Bank Cards and Fake Couriers
The scammers warned the victims that criminals had been caught with cloned bank cards linked to their accounts. The female victim was instructed to withdraw a large sum of money, which a “courier” would then collect to “keep safe.”
Thankfully, both targets smelled a rat and refused to share any banking details. They promptly alerted Kent Police about the fraud attempts.
“These residents acted correctly by declining to give the caller any bank details and contacting Kent Police when they became suspicious,” said Inspector Christian Mayers from Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit. “Unfortunately, the most vulnerable—especially the elderly or those with learning difficulties—are often targeted.”
Another Scam Call in Sevenoaks Ends Differently
On the same day, a man in his 80s from Sevenoaks was conned by a fraudster posing as an Essex police officer. This time, the victim was hoodwinked into withdrawing cash, which was later snagged by a courier who turned up at his door.
The courier was described as a mixed-race man in his 30s, about 5ft 6in tall, with short black hair and a beard, wearing a hi-vis jacket.
Inspector’s Warning: Don’t Fall for These Tricks
Inspector Mayers stressed: “Police will never ask for your bank details or money over the phone.”
- If you get a suspicious call claiming to be from the police, hang up immediately.
- Wait at least five minutes before using your phone again to avoid the scammer still being connected.
- Never hand over cash or valuables to couriers following such calls.
- If unsure about the caller, ask for their details, end the call, and call 101—or 999 in an emergency—to confirm.
To report fraud or suspicious activity, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud.
If you have information about these incidents, call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting crime number 23-0492.
