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Police issue CCTV after Swanley pensioner scammed by fraudsters

13:02, 01 June 2022

updated: 15:59, 01 June 2022

A pensioner has been scammed out of £8,000 by bogus police officers.

The victim, from Swanley, was called on Thursday by a man claiming to be a detective chief inspector at Hammersmith police station and warned his bank card had been "cloned".

Officers would like to speak to this man. Picture: Kent Police
Officers would like to speak to this man. Picture: Kent Police

He was instructed to withdraw large sums of cash to assist an investigation.

The man, in his late 60s, also spoke to someone who said he worked for his bank.

After he had made several cash withdrawals he was contacted again and told the money needed to be collected by a courier, in order to take fingerprints from the bank notes to catch the person who had cloned his card.

At around 4.45pm, someone knocked on his door and collected the money, believed to be around £8,000.

Officers have now issued CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Police are appealing for information. Picture: Kent Police
Police are appealing for information. Picture: Kent Police
Do you know who this is? Picture: Kent Police
Do you know who this is? Picture: Kent Police

PC Gareth Mahoney said: "A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details, or money, over the phone.

"If you receive one of these calls, end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer.

"Unfortunately, those who are targeted are often the most vulnerable, such as elderly people or victims with learning difficulties.

"It is important people know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent phone call so their finances are not put at risk and I would encourage friends, neighbours and family members to us help protect those who may be particularly at risk from these types of scams."

Officers are also urging anyone with information to call the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/100922/22 or call 0800 555111, or by using the online form on its website.

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