Pensioner scammed of money in Swanley

Images have been issued of a man officers would like to identify after money was stolen from a pensioner scammed by fraudsters.

The money was collected by a courier from the victim’s home address in Swanley, just hours after he was contacted by a man claiming to represent the Metropolitan Police.

The victim, aged in his late 60s, was called on Thursday 26 May 2022 by someone claiming to be a detective chief inspector at Hammersmith police station.

He was warned his bank card had been ‘cloned’ and instructed to withdraw large sums of cash to assist an investigation. The victim also spoke to someone who said he worked for his bank.

Courier fraud

After the man had made several cash withdrawals he was contacted again. He was told the money needed to be collected by a courier, in order to take fingerprints from the bank notes to catch the person who had cloned his card.

At around 4.45pm a person knocked on the victim’s door and collected the cash, believed to be in the region of £8,000.

Kent Police would now like to speak to the person seen in the images and officers are urging anyone with information to call the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/100922/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.

Prevent fraudsters

PC Gareth Mahoney said: ‘A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details, or money, over the phone. If you receive one of these calls end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer. 'Unfortunately those who are targeted are often the most vulnerable, such as elderly people or victims with learning difficulties. 'It is important people know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent phone call so their finances are not put at risk and I would encourage friends, neighbours and family members to help us protect those who may be particularly at risk from these types of scams.’ 

Further advice

Never hand over any money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call.

If you are not confident a person claiming to be a police officer is genuine, ask to take their details and then end the call.

Wait for at least five minutes for the call to clear and then contact 101, or 999 in an emergency. A call handler will be able to verify whether your caller was genuine.