Fraud warning after £10,000 is returned to Dover woman
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Potential victims of fraud are being warned after a woman from the Dover area was talked into sending a large amount of cash in the post.
Kent Police was contacted on Tuesday 3 September 2024 by a courier company, concerning a package they had been given which they believed contained £10,000.
Officers investigated and visited the elderly woman who had sent the money, to speak to her and offer support.
She told them the money was payment to someone who had promised to carry out work on a property, and she was in the process of sending another £10,000 in cash.
Suspicious
The circumstances of the work promised appeared suspicious and officers explained to the woman that she was likely the victim of fraud.
She was taken to her bank and paid the £20,000 back in. Her family was also contacted and told what had happened.
Enquiries are now underway to establish whom the money was being sent to and whether any further action can be taken.
Advice
While enquiries continue, officers are warning others to take the following steps to avoid becoming victims of fraud:
• Don't agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice, or speak to a friend or family member, before making a decision.
• Don't hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
• Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
• Don't just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
• Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
• If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
• Don't be embarrassed about reporting a scam. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.