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Here are the latest fraud alerts from Kent Police.
Distraction Thefts
Recently in the Dymchurch area there have been reports of distraction thefts at ATM’s. Criminals will try a range of techniques to obtain your card and PIN, so always remain vigilant.
• At a cash machine always stay alert and put your personal safety first.
• If someone is crowding or watching you, cancel the transaction and alert a member of staff.
• Do not accept help from seemingly well-meaning strangers and never allow yourself to be distracted.
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of 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.
Car Sale Scams
We have recently been advised of several reports of people being scammed when selling their vehicles online. The scam involves 2 or 3 people attending the seller’s address and whilst one distracts the seller another will put oil in the coolant of the vehicle for sale. They will then show this to the seller and state that the engine, if not blown, has blown and offer a much lower amount for the vehicle.
Best advice –
• Stay with the buyers – don’t leave them alone with the car or allow yourself to be distracted at the rear of the vehicle whilst someone is looking at the engine.
• Be aware of suspicious behaviour – scammers will often request an enormous discount due to the ‘fault’ with the vehicle.
• Be confident to refuse the sale – if you are doubtful about how genuine the buyer is or believe that something suspicious is going on, do not hand over the keys.
McAfee Scam Emails
SCAM WARNING: Watch out for FAKE McAfee emails. These have been reported to Action Fraud over 4,500 times. The emails ask you to click on a link that will take you to suspicious-looking websites where they will steal your financial data. You can report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: . Your reports enable them to remove emails and websites used to perpetrate fraud.
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of 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.
Rogue Traders
We have received reports of Rogue Traders being active in the Gillingham area and cold-calling informing residents that their roofs need replacing or repair. These types of offences are not isolated to any individual locations and are taking place across the county.
Remember –
• Always obtain at least 3 written quotes and never agree to work on your doorstep, no matter how tempting the offer.
• Ask family and friends for recommendations.
• Agree payment arrangements and start and finish dates in writing beforehand.
• Never pay in full until you’re completely satisfied with the work.
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of 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.
Alert from ActionFraud re: the latest WhatsApp Scam
WhatsApp group chat members are being warned they could be targeted by criminals, as Action Fraud reveals it has received 636 reports from victims of the messaging app this year. The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the
fraudster, pretending or claiming to be another member of the group. This is done to gain the individual’s trust, and often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance it would appear to be a genuine member of the group. The fraudster will tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. The criminal then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call. In reality, the criminal is asking for a registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device so they can take over their account. Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to regain access their account. Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.
How to secure your WhatsApp account:
• Set up two-step verification (2SV) to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
• CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
• Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.
Book a FREE Fraud/ Cyber Protection Presentation
Book your Cyber/Fraud Protect Presentation for 2024 – It is FREE. Our Cyber and Fraud Protect Officers are keen to give presentations to organisations and community groups on how to protect yourselves from the threat of Cyber and fraud Scams and avoid criminals stealing your money.
If you are part of or in charge of any groups that would benefit from this input, then please contact Arran Ostridge, Steve Kelly or Lee Edwards-Gee by the following emails –