Safety reminder issued following reports of fraudsters posing as police

Residents are reminded to be alert to fraud, following reports that criminals posing as police officers have been cold-calling people to ask for money.

On Thursday 1 October 2026, several members of the public reported receiving phone calls from people claiming to be from the police.

Victims reported that in some instances, the number shown falsely appeared to be a Kent Police number, while others were told that a named officer was calling from a station in Kent, they were given a reference number and even provided with a false email for the victim to contact.

The fraudsters provided false claims that the person’s passport or personal details were being used in crime and - as part of an investigation- requests for money were made.

Two victims reported losing money after being conned into giving details of their crypto accounts including seed phrases, which are similar to passwords and can be used to access crypto wallets.

Enquiries into the reports are ongoing, as officers work to identify offenders.

Crime Prevention Advice

• Kent Police officers will never ask people to transfer money as part of an investigation.
• Never give personal information in response to an incoming call, particularly if the caller is asking you to do something that will affect you financially, including any personal bank information.
• If you have a crypto currency wallet or account, never confirm details and always keep your seed phrase secret.
• If you receive such a call, end it immediately. Wait five minutes for the phone line to clear, or use a different number, to contact the police to report the incident.

Remember the ABC rule to help protect yourself and others against fraud – never Assume someone is telling the truth, never Believe what they say unless you are confident that they are who they say they are, and always Confirm the details they have provided.

Received a call? 

People with information that may assist enquiries should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 02-1045.

Anybody who believes they have received one of these fake calls can report it on 101 or via our website.

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