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Men arrested after Gillingham pensioner reportedly scammed out of £18,000 by rogue traders

Four men have been arrested after allegedly scamming a pensioner out of £18,000.

The suspected rogue traders, from Orpington were held on suspicion of fraud after bank staff became concerned for the victim, in his 80s.

Four Orpington men were arrested on suspicion of fraud after a Gillingham pensioner was scammed out of £18,000. Picture: stock image
Four Orpington men were arrested on suspicion of fraud after a Gillingham pensioner was scammed out of £18,000. Picture: stock image

He had already handed over £18,000 to the men for roof work and visited his bank on Wednesday, September 28 to request to withdraw a further £8,000.

Staff prevented the transaction from going ahead, and alerted Kent Police.

District commander for Medway, Ch Insp Shona Lowndes, said: "The victim has been left with a large hole in his roof.

"While the circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind people to look out for their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.

"Rogue traders often target those who live alone, will cold call by door knocking and then state the victims need costly repair work carried out to their properties. Often this work is unnecessary, and if it is needed it is often grossly overpriced."

Anyone concerned about incidents involving fraud and rogue traders can report the details here.

The four Orpington men - two aged 32, and two aged 39 and 45 - have been bailed until Saturday, October 22, while officers carry out enquiries.

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