Police Impersonation Scam Calls

Residents urged to remain vigilant following police impersonation scam calls

Kent Police is urging residents across the Folkestone and Hythe district to stay alert following reports of criminals attempting to obtain money and personal information by posing as police officers over the phone.

On Tuesday 3 March 2026, two residents – one in Lyminge and another in Dymchurch – received calls from individuals claiming to be officers from Cambridge Police and custody staff from Brixton. The callers falsely alleged that a relative of the victims had been arrested and attempted to persuade them to provide bank details.

In both cases, the residents recognised the calls as fraudulent and immediately terminated the conversation, preventing any loss of money or personal information.

Chief Inspector Mark Hedges said:

“Fraudulent calls like these can be highly convincing and distressing, particularly for vulnerable members of the community. I want to remind residents that you should never hand over money or possessions to a courier following a call of this kind.

Genuine police officers will never ask for your bank details over the phone.”

Residents who receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer are advised to:

Call handlers will be able to confirm whether the contact was legitimate.

Kent Police urges the community to share this advice with friends, family, and neighbours—especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams