Pensioners targeted in phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be police officers

Residents are reminded to be vigilant after fraudsters posing as police officers targeted pensioners in Tunbridge Wells in attempts to steal money.

On Thursday 16 January 2025, emergency call handlers received reports of multiple attempted frauds, following phone calls to five intended victims.

The suspects claimed there had been criminal activity linked to the victims' bank accounts.

In one of the incidents a man was informed that a police investigation linked to New Scotland Yard was underway. He was told it was being led by DC Mathew Riley and PC Chrissy.

The caller instructed the man to withdraw a large sum of cash, to assist the investigation, which would later be collected by a courier.

Detective Inspector Chris Mayers said: 

‘Thankfully, none of the intended victims parted with any money and our investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents. ‘Scammers are becoming increasingly more calculating in their methods to defraud their victims into losing a substantial amount of money. Unfortunately, many of those they target are vulnerable and elderly members of the community. 'Please remember, a police officer would never ask a member of the public for their bank details or money over the phone. If you receive a similar call, the advice is to hang up immediately and report it to Kent Police.'

Further advice

• If you are not confident a person who calls you claiming to be a police officer is genuine, ask to take their details and 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.
• Never hand over any money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call.

Anybody with information relating to these incidents is urged to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/8938/25. 

You can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040 or report suspicious activity online by visiting their website.