A suspected phone scammer has been arrested in Tunbridge Wells after allegedly posing as a police officer to trick a pensioner into handing over thousands of euros.

The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, 25 March, involved a man impersonating a fraud investigator, contacting the victim—a man in his 70s—by phone and claiming his bank account had been compromised.

Kent Police said the victim was allegedly instructed to withdraw a large sum of money and meet the fraudster in a supermarket car park in Pembury, where he was due to hand over the cash.

Responding to the report at 12.05pm, officers carried out urgent enquiries and quickly attended the scene. A suspect was spotted in the Tesco car park and, following a short foot chase, was detained and taken into custody.

The man was later identified as Thai-Rye Wright-Lewis, 24, of Walton Green, New Addington, Croydon.

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and has been remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 27 March.

A Kent Police spokesperson praised the quick response of officers, adding:

“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to tackling fraud, particularly those crimes that target vulnerable members of our community. We would like to remind residents to always be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting personal or banking information and to contact police if they are unsure.”

Anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of a similar scam is urged to contact Kent Police via 101 or report it online. Alternatively, you can reach Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

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