Police warn 'gift voucher' scammers are targeting vulnerable people in Kent
13:39, 23 March 2020
updated: 13:48, 23 March 2020
People across the county are being warned to be vigilant after a number of elderly and vulnerable people in Kent have been targeted by gift voucher scams.
Those who reported incidents say they were asked to spend large sums of money on Amazon vouchers from local shops or supermarkets.
They were then asked to call the suspects back to give them the card's serial number.
Scammers use this information to access the money on the voucher before spending it online.
More than 20 incidents were reported to Kent Police in February and March.
Victims have been targeted in Maidstone, Rochester, Sittingbourne, Chatham, Sheerness, Romney Marsh, Ashford, Gravesend, Herne Bay and Ramsgate.
Police say in most cases, victims have been told they owe money to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for unpaid taxes and will be arrested if they do not follow instructions.
Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur said: "Fraudsters are deliberately targeting vulnerable people and convincing them to go and buy these vouchers.
"Whilst their calls may seem credible as they claim to work for HMRC or the police, they are not. No police officer would ever call and ask a member of the public do to this so please check the number of the person calling and report any concerns straight away.
"We are working with stores around the county who sell these vouchers and asking them to challenge anyone purchasing a voucher for an extremely large amount of money, just to ensure they are not going to be a victim of fraud.
"On Monday March 2, one person was identified as a victim and stopped from buying a voucher worth £1,500 as a result of this initiative.
"Even if on the face of it the caller sounds genuine, do not be afraid to hang up the phone and use another phone line to call the company or organisation to be sure. Please also do everything you can to support your family, friends and neighbours with our advice on how to protect yourself from fraud."
