I hear you knocking…but you can’t come in… #FraudFree2026

Good afternoon,

I’m sharing information provided by colleagues in SUSSEX POLICE.   They have informed us of a spate of incidents where criminals have posed as council officials, knocking doors, falsely stating that they need payment to do work on drains, taking bank card details and PINs and then using those details to steal residents hard earned money.  SUSSEX POLICE say they have received 7 reports so far with £35,000 in total losses.  Residents have been targeted across West and East Sussex.

If those criminals are prepared to drive the length and breadth of Sussex to perpetrate crime no doubt they, or another organised crime group will be doing the same in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight where road networks and ferry travel are far more efficient and convenient.

Ideally, don’t answer the door to an unexpected caller. Councils tell us they don’t take money at the door – so you know it’s a crime.  If a crime is in progress, or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, please phone 999 immediately.

If you, or someone you know are struggling to stop themselves answering the door to strangers, you might find the Blue Lamp Trust’s free home safety visit a real help:  https://www.bluelamptrust.org.uk/safe-home/ They can also fit Ring doorbells at cost, and the images can be sent to your phone (or that of a trusted friend/family member) so you can see who’s knocking on your door.

Please do share this important update with friends and family and encourage them to sign up for their own Hampshire Alert: https://www.hampshirealert.co.uk/ link to the 

Hampshire Alerts is not a crime reporting portal – please do not report crime here.

If you realise you’ve been defrauded and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Report Fraud either by phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ 

However, if a fraud or other crime is in progress, and/or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, and/or there is evidence in situ that could be damaged/destroyed, please phone 999 immediately. 

Otherwise, report non-fraud crime online, or find out about other ways to report a crime at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

If you would like to report a crime anonymously, please contact: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or phone 0800 555 111

If you've been affected by a crime please contact Victim Care Hub for free, confidential, support:  https://www.hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk/  or phone 0808 178 1641

If you’ve received a phishing email please report it to your email provider and/or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk 

If you’ve received unwanted phone calls or texts from people you think are trying to scam you, but you haven’t engaged with them, please forward the text/phone number to 7726 or your phone provider.

Thank you – Fraud Safeguarding Team