Two men are set to go on trial after vulnerable victims across Kent were allegedly scammed out of thousands of pounds.

Emmanuel Scarrott, 28, and Sonny Maughan, 27, have been remanded in custody to await their hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on December 11.

The pair were charged with fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud while Maughan was also charged with driving without a licence after they were arrested last Tuesday.

The alleged offences involved homeowners first being tricked into paying for costly and unnecessary repairs to their homes, and then being targeted a second time by fake police officers claiming those responsible had been caught and could be prosecuted for an additional fee.

In one incident, a man in his 60s from Chatham lost a total of £103,000. Other victims included two other men who were both in their 80s, one from Herne Bay and the other from Dartford.

Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I would like to remind everyone to be wary of anyone who may call at your home without an appointment and attempt to sell you repair services.

"If you are considering such an offer, always arrange for additional quotes to be prepared by other reputable tradespeople.

"Also please be assured that nobody from the police or any other organisation will ever charge you money in return for a criminal prosecution.

"Genuine police officers who call at your home will always be more than happy to provide identification, and if in doubt you can call 101 to confirm they are who they say they are.

"Finally, 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 of their identity, and always Confirm the details they have provided."

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