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Tunbridge Wells pensioner targeted in £14,000 roof repair scam

By: Jack Dyson jdyson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 09:00, 19 June 2021

Updated: 09:27, 19 June 2021

A man has been arrested after a scammer tried to swindle a pensioner out of £14,000.

A cold-caller is said to have visited a house in the centre of Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, advising the occupier his roof needed replacing.

A man from the Tunbridge Wells area has been arrested following the incident on Thursday. Stock picture

The victim, a man in his 60s, tried to withdraw cash for the repairs after being driven to his bank by the fraudster.

Staff at the branch became suspicious and the police were called.

A 54-year-old man from the Tunbridge Wells area has been arrested on suspicion of fraud.

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DS Marc Cananur said: "We are investigating the circumstances of this incident, but I would like to urge all residents to be cautious about who they allow to complete work at their homes.

"Care should be taken when approached by unexpected callers offering to do repairs or other work for cash, and I recommend you consider getting quotes from a number of reputable firms in the first instance.

"Don’t be afraid to ask tradespeople for identification and if you have any doubts, ask them to leave and come back at a time when you can have a friend or relative with you.

"I would encourage people to look out for one another and report anything suspicious straight away by calling 101 or dialling 999 if a crime is taking place."

The suspected fraudster was later bailed to return to the police station on 12 July, pending further investigation.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells

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