Fraudsters have targeted Kent with a bold phone scam, using stolen personal details to obtain mobile phones from residents. The scam involves having phones delivered through legitimate courier companies, leaving victims confused when unexpected packages arrive at their homes.
Shortly after delivery, a fraudster posing as a courier contacts the homeowner, claiming there has been a “mistake.” They ask the homeowner to return the phone, which the criminals then either sell or use for further fraudulent activities.
A police investigation linked two men to seven separate scams across Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Orpington, and Bexleyheath during May and June 2021. Detectives apprehended Babatunde Olaonipekun in Gillingham as he attempted to carry out the same fraud again.
Olaonipekun, aged 42, of Rochester, and his accomplice Afis Quadri, 44, also from Rochester, were given suspended sentences at Maidstone Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to defraud.
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Smithers said: “We are pleased to have brought these two men to justice, but we know scams like this are widespread and often go unreported. Many victims don’t suspect a thing until it’s too late. Sometimes deliveries get sent to neighbours to avoid suspicion.”
She added, “Most stolen phones, especially pricey iPhones, are quickly shipped abroad, making it tough to track the crime. If you receive an unexpected parcel or suspicious visitors, contact your bank or phone provider immediately and report it to the police. Check your accounts regularly too — fraudsters often set up fake bank accounts in victims’ names.”
For more information on this scam and advice on how to protect yourself, visit Kent Police’s fraud advice page.
Originally published by UKNIP.
