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Man posing as Kent University student cons Perifection in Gillingham in aid of fake Marie Curie rugby match

A suspected serial con-artist has targeted a chicken restaurant.

The man, using the name Mark Adamson, approached Perifection in Gillingham asking for £100 towards a charity event.

Pardeep Singh with the fake receipt for his charity donation. Picture: Matthew Walker
Pardeep Singh with the fake receipt for his charity donation. Picture: Matthew Walker

Store owner Pardeep Singh spoke with him for two hours about an alleged rugby match hosted by the University of Kent in aid of Marie Curie cancer research.

The individual asked for £100 towards the event in return for a large group booking and being a supporter of local charity the businessman handed over the cash.

Upon asking for a receipt he was given a piece of paper displaying the University of Kent logo, which didn't include a date, time, or phone number.

The lack of detail included in the 'proof of donation' raised concerns for the shop owner and after contacting the man for clarification he was reassured the money will go towards the game.

Unconvinced Mr Singh searched the man online and found someone using the same name carried out the same con - asking for a £100 donation to a charity rugby match in return for a large group booking - in Grantham and Belfast within the last year.

The man presented Mr Singh with this receipt. Picture: Pardeep Singh
The man presented Mr Singh with this receipt. Picture: Pardeep Singh

The businessman took his case to Fraud Action, an operation ran by the City of London Police, which has confirmed the case will be assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and enquiries are ongoing.

He then contacted the University of Kent which confirmed Mark Adamson was not a registered student and no such charity rugby match is taking place.

Mr Singh believes the man is still operating in and around the Medway area and has urged local business owners to be alert to these type of cons.

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