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Dear Lisa ⚠️ FRAUD ALERT – SCAM PHONE CALLS FROM PEOPLE POSING AS POLICE OFFICERS

By Lisa Johnson Horton Kirby & South Darenth Parish Council

Thursday, 5 March 2026

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Horton Kirby & South Darenth Parish Council Contributor

VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR

️ FRAUD ALERT – SCAM PHONE CALLS FROM PEOPLE POSING AS POLICE OFFICERS

We are again urging residents to stay alert following a rise in reports of fraudulent phone calls from individuals pretending to be police officers.

You may have already seen previous messages from us about fraud, but unfortunately, we are once again receiving regular reports from victims in the local area. These scams continue to target people of all ages, often using very convincing tactics.

Scammers may:

· Claim there is suspicious activity on your bank account

· Ask you to confirm personal or banking details

· Pressure you to withdraw or transfer money

· Tell you to keep the call secret

· Claim they are working on a ‘police investigation’

Please remember:

· A genuine police officer will never ask for your bank details, PIN, or passwords.

· We will never ask you to withdraw cash, transfer funds, or hand over cards or valuables.

· If in doubt, hang up immediately. Use a different phone to contact the police on 101.

Reporting Fraud – Action Fraud is now Report Fraud

As of 4 December 2025, Action Fraud has been replaced by Report Fraud, the national reporting service for cybercrime and fraud run by City of London Police

You can report fraud or cybercrime at:
👉 www.reportfraud.police.uk
📞 0300 123 2040 (same number as before)

The Report Fraud website provides:

· A new, improved online reporting tool and contact centre for victims

· A central hub with extensive information on different types of fraud, how they work, and how to protect yourself

· Clear guidance on how to report, what to expect, and links to support services

The old Action Fraud website now redirects to the new service automatically.

Please share this information with friends, neighbours, and family—especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.

Stay alert and stay safe.
PCSO Sue Harwood
Neighbourhood Task Force

Contact Information

Lisa Johnson

  • 01322 865193

Find Horton Kirby & South Darenth Parish Council

Parish Office, The Village Hall, Horton Road, South Darenth, Dartford, Kent, DA4 9AZ

DIRECTIONS

Additional Information

Vanessa Maskery - Assistant Clerk