Supported living residents receive fraud prevention advice

Fraud prevention advice was given to residents at a supported living accommodation in Rochester by specialist staff from Kent Police’s Economic Crime Unit.

The force’s Prevent and Protect officers Steve Kelly and Sophie Carroll visited mhs homes’ Yeoman House property on Monday 11 April 2022 to deliver important information on the latest scams in circulation.

Also in attendance were Medway Police Community Support Officers Christopher McCann and Laura Ashwell.

Supported living is for people aged 60 or over who need regular support to keep living independently, and are potentially more at risk of being targeted by criminals.

Vulnerable

Steve said:

‘It is a sad reality that fraudsters are more likely to attempt to trick elderly and vulnerable people out of their savings, which is why it is so important that we all play our part in sharing information about the types of crimes they commit.

‘The majority of scams involve criminals claiming to be someone they are not, whether it’s a police officer or an employee from a bank or utility company, all of whom attempt to gain victims’ trust in order to obtain money or belongings they are not entitled to.

‘Our message is to remember the ABC rule to help protect yourself and others against fraud – never Assume someone is telling the truth or Believe what they say unless you are confident of their identity, and always Confirm the details they have provided.’

Yeoman House resident Jill said:

'I found the fraud prevention talk very informative, bringing to my attention things that I hadn’t thought about or noticed before. The talk left me feeling more confident in being able to handle these situations when they arise.'

Report it

To report incidents of fraud call Kent Police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. You can also report non-urgent crimes online at this link.

Further advice is available at this link or the ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud’ campaign website.