SCORES of businesses across Kent may have been taken in by a potential charity scam.

Police are investigating claims by registered charity Dogs for the Disabled that people have been falsely claiming to be from their organisation in order to obtain donations.

Three people from Kent have been arrested in connection with the investigation, but officers fear many firms may have already been unknowingly supporting the fraudulent fund-raising venture.

The Banbury-based charity, which provides and trains assistance dogs to help the disabled, was alerted by a Canterbury business about the possible scam at the end of last year.

It is understood businesses have been offered a box of sweets to place on counters, with a sign implying that proceeds from a £1 donation for a bag of sweets would be used for charity.

The charity has told police that they do not use this method to raise money. Stickers found on some of the boxes also have a registered charity number no longer used by Dogs for the Disabled.

Police have since traced firms in Ramsgate, Medway, Dartford and Maidstone who were also approached.

Det Sgt Fred McCormack said: "We would be keen to hear from any firm with the boxes.

“We are investigating a fraud and believe that businesses took the boxes in good faith having been told that they would be supporting a charity."

A 36-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man, both from Chatham, and a 17-year-old girl from Gravesend have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and have been bailed until February 27 pending further enquiries.

Any businesses that have the boxes are asked to contact PC James Duncan on 01227 868264 or 07807 340028.