We have received a number of reports today of criminals telephoning and impersonating Police, in particular those in Canterbury. 

The criminals are employing various methods from posing as Kent Police Officers from New Dover Road Police Station to stating that they have arrested someone in possession of the victim’s bank card to requesting financial information or asking victims to withdraw cash for a courier to collect as evidence. 

If you get any calls like this, STOP, it is a scam. 

The Police will NEVER ask you for financial details on the phone or request to collect your card or cash or gold as part of an investigation. 

Remember the ABC of Scam Awareness and Never Assume or Believe a call is genuine and always Confirm. 

If you get an expected call from someone claiming to be Police or any other organisation, then take their details and end the call. Then call back using a different phone if available. If another phone is not available, then wait 5 minutes and ring a family member or friend to ensure the line has been disconnected and then ring 101. Never call a number they have supplied and never ring 999 whilst still on the call with them. You must always disconnect the call first before ringing 101. 

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.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams