October 2025: The Latest Frauds – Alert System from Kent Police

The ECRC works closely with local policing to ensure that our members benefit from the free tools and services offered, including the latest fraud alerts from the Kent Police.

The Kent Fraud Email Alert System (K’FAs) is a valuable resource, developed by Stephen Kelly, the Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer for Kent Police. The system delivers weekly updates to help individuals and businesses stay informed about the most up-to-date scams and learn more about how they can protect themselves.

The K’FAs reaches thousands of people and businesses across the UK, not just in Kent or the East of England, as many of these scams affect communities across the nation. The ECRC is committed to sharing Stephen Kelly’s weekly K’FAs with our members to ensure you’re always aware of the latest threats and trends targeting both businesses and the public.

Click here for further information about fraud and how Kent Police can help.

Romance Fraud

The beginning of October marked Romance Fraud Awareness Week, a reminder of the immense impact this type of scam has on those affected across the UK. Last year alone, over £106 million was lost to romance fraud.

So, what is it?

Romance fraud happens when criminals create fake online identities to form relationships with people, gaining their trust and affection under false pretences with only one goal in mind: stealing their money or personal information. These fraudsters are highly skilled manipulators, using persuasive and emotional language to gain sympathy and trust from their victim. They are masters are making requests for money seem natural and urgent, often insisting on secrecy. They may also pretend to be celebrities or public figures, reaching out to fans of the real person through social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

How can you protect yourself?

·       Never send money, no matter how convincing or urgent the story sounds. Never send vouchers, cryptocurrency, or “investment” funds either. Report any such request to the dating platform or service immediately.

·       Take your time to get to know the person, ask questions and verify details. Use tools such as Google Image Search to check if their profile picture appears elsewhere online and review your social media’s privacy settings to keep personal information hidden.

If something doesn’t feel right, discuss it with someone you trust such as family or friends. Be cautious if the person you’re speaking to is insistent in keeping the relationship a secret.

Courier Fraud

There has recently been an increase in Courier Fraud incidents across the East, particularly in the Canterbury area. Unfortunately, some residents have lost thousands of pounds to these scams in just the past week.

So, what is it?

Courier fraud typically begins with a phone call from someone pretending to be from the police or the bank. They may claim that a family member has been arrested, or fraudulent activity has been detected on your account. The caller may ask you to:

·       Withdraw cash

·       Purchase gold, jewellery or other high-value items

·       Hand over your bank card or PIN to a courier who will “collect it for evidence”

·       In some cases, you may be asked to post the items yourself

Remember:

The police or bank will never ask for your bank card or PIN to be collected, request that you withdraw cash, or tell you to purchase gold or valuables for an investigation. Protect yourself by remembering the ABC of Scam Awareness:

·       Never Assume

·       Never Believe

·       Always Confirm

Never call them back on a number they have supplied, and do not call 999 if you are still connected to them on a call. Always hang up, wait at least 5 minutes, then call a family member or friend to ensure the line is clear before ringing 101 to speak with the police.

Cryptocurrency Scams

Investment fraud, particularly involving cryptocurrency, continues to cause some of the largest financial losses to victims across Kent.

So, what is it?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that functions as a medium of exchange. Due to its high market volatility, the value of these assets can rise and fall in an instant. As more people have begun investing in cryptocurrencies, criminals have exploited this trend to commit fraud. Scammers often:

·       Advertise fake investment schemes, promising high or guaranteed returns through cryptocurrency trading or mining.

·       Promote these scams on social media, using adverts that appear legitimate and offer “quick and easy money”.

·       Use fake celebrity endorsements and professional-looking websites or emails to make the opportunities appear credible.

·       Include false testimonials and images of well-known figures to convince potential investors the scheme is genuine.

How can you protect yourself?

·       Don’t allow yourself to be rushed. If someone pressures you to invest quickly, it’s a red flag. Take your time to make informed decisions.

·       Seek independent advice by consulting your bank or financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

·       Check with the FCA to verify that the company or platform is registered with them before investing. You can check this on the FCA’s ScamSmart website.

SIM Swapping

SIM Swap fraud occurs when criminals transfer your phone number to a SIM card that they control. This gives them access to your calls and text messages, allowing them to intercept 2-step verification (2SV) codes, reset passwords, and gain access to your emails, bank accounts, and other online services. Across the UK, including here in the East, SIM swap fraud is one of the fastest-growing types of fraud.

How can you protect yourself?

·       Protect your personal information and never share sensitive details like bank information, passwords, or one-time codes. Ignore unexpected requests for your personal data.

·       Set up a PIN or password with your phone provider that will be required to approve any changes to your SIM or account details.

·       Avoid posting personal information such as phone number, date of birth, or other details that could answer security questions on social media.

·       Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity. Consider setting up account alerts too!

·       Enable biometric verification if your bank allows it. This adds an extra layer of protection.

How to Spot SIM Swapping

If you’ve noticed any of the following warning signs, contact your phone provider and bank immediately:

·       A sudden loss of service and the inability to receive calls or texts

·       Unexpected login or SIM activation alerts

·       Loss of access to your accounts such as email, social media or banking apps

·       Unauthorised transactions

Rogue Trader Alert – Can you help?

Four men have been arrested following reports of rogue trading activity in Canterbury, and officers are now appealing for further potential victims to come forward.

Concerns were raised about work carried out at a property in the St Stephen’s area of Canterbury in September 2025. Residents were reportedly approached at home by traders who offered to carry out repairs and after discussions, extensive work was agreed upon and completed by a group of men hired by the traders. A large sum of money was handed over on the job. The traders then returned at a later date, claiming that additional, unrelated repairs were needed and provided an expensive quote for the extra work. It was later discovered that the initial repairs were unnecessary and significantly more expensive than they should have been.

On the 30^th September 2025, officers arrested:

• Two men from Maidstone, aged 52 and 35, and

• Two men from Ashford, aged 48 and 23 on suspicion of fraud. All four have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

  
  

Police Appeal

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have had similar experiences or can assist the investigation to get in touch.

Detective Sergeant Katie Diprose said:

“The circumstances reported in this case are quite specific, and we are particularly keen to hear from anyone in the county who recalls a similar recent experience.”

If you have any relevant information, please contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/169243/25.

If you have been a victim of any type of scam, then contact your bank immediately then report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. For further information about Fraud and how to protect yourself, visit our website. Additionally, you will find more valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud.