Dover Woman Scammed Out of £20k – Police Warn Public
£20,000 Nearly Lost in Shocking Dover Scam
An elderly woman from Dover was almost duped into handing over a whopping £20,000 in a cunning fraud attempt – but quick-thinking Kent Police saved the day.
£10,000 Package Raises Alarm Bells
On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, a courier company grew suspicious of a package containing £10,000. They alerted Kent Police, who moved fast. Officers paid a visit to the woman, who revealed she had sent the cash as payment for promised home repairs. Worse still, she was about to send another £10,000.
Police Step In Before It’s Too Late
After investigating, cops warned her the whole situation looked fishy. They feared she was being scammed. The woman was escorted to her bank where the full £20,000 was safely returned to her account. Her family were immediately informed.
Meanwhile, police are investigating to trace who was meant to receive the money and whether further action can be taken.
Top Fraud Prevention Tips from Kent Police
Kent Police urge everyone to stay vigilant and follow these simple steps to avoid falling victim:
- Take your time: Don’t rush into offers or deals. Get independent or legal advice, or talk to someone you trust before handing over cash.
- Check credentials: Always verify who you’re dealing with. Confirm company credentials before paying.
- Don’t send money to strangers: Avoid transferring cash to unknown individuals or firms. Use payment methods you trust.
- Seek independent evidence: Don’t rely on reviews or testimonials alone. Look for objective proof of a company’s track record.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam or have been scammed, report it immediately to stop fraudsters in their tracks.
For more advice on dodging scams, visit Kent Police’s official website.
