We have been receiving several reports of scammers telephoning people and impersonating police in and around the local area. 

The criminals are employing various methods but the most recent is that they will pose as Police officers from multiple Kent Police stations stating that they have arrested someone in possession of the victims bank card, they will then request financial information or ask the victim to withdraw cash for a courier to collect as evidence. They may tell you to call back on 101 or 999 but they leave the line open. 

The police will never ask for any financial details on the phone or request to collect you card or cash as part of an investigation. 

If you get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be Police or any other organisation, then take their details and end the call. Then call back using a different phone if available. If another phone is not available, then wait 5 minutes and ring a family member or friend to ensure the line has been disconnected and then ring 101. Never call a number they have supplied and never ring 999 whilst still on the call with them. You must always disconnect the call first before ringing 101.

If you think you may have been a victim of this or any other scam then contact your bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to action fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.