Two arrests after jet wash scam sees vulnerable Maidstone man conned out of £3,000
10:11, 29 November 2018
updated: 11:27, 29 November 2018
A man with learning difficulties was conned out of thousands of pounds by fraudsters offering to jet wash his driveway for cash.
Two men are said to have knocked on the victim's door in September this year.
The victim, who lives near the A20 London Road, paid the money upfront, but soon after one of the men returned.
He demanded more money, claiming they had discovered subsidence.
Having visited the bank the victim paid another £3,000.
Still not satisfied, the suspects returned again to say the problem was bigger than expected and demanded more money.
Bank staff raised the alarm to police when the victim attempted to withdrew further funds.
Officers attended the address to find the men were no longer there and the driveway had been left in a state of disrepair.
Last month the victim was targeted again by two men offering to fix the driveway for a large sum of cash.
The pair left after being challenged by someone known to the victim.
This week police arrested a 29-year-old Knockholt man and a 38-year-old from Headcorn on suspicion of fraud.
Both have been bailed until December 15 and 16 respectively.
Inspector Mark Hedges said: "Sadly, some criminals will look to exploit the more vulnerable members of our communities by charging exorbitant amounts of money for work that is often completely unnecessary or at best substandard.
"Our advice remains the same for anyone dealing with cold callers. Do not deal with people who knock on your door offering work on your home or garden and if you have any concerns about their behaviour call the police.’
Anyone with information which may assist the investigation is asked to call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/SI/YY/5570/18. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111
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