Hoax calls telling people they are due a tax rebate have been reported

In each case fraudsters called up homeonwers.

They claimed to work for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and advised the person - who they addressed by name - that they could claim a tax rebate if they paid a £50 or £100 administration fee.

Addresses in Tonbridge, West Malling and Sevenoaks have been targeted, but in all cases the victims thought the call suspicious and didn’t pay any money.

Sergeant Richard O’ Toole said: "In all cases, the home owners were told that they were owed between £3,000 to £5000. I would urge anyone who has had a similar experience to contact us. Our advice is simple; if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is."

He also warned people to be wary of suspicious emails, adding: "If you have any doubt then don’t be afraid to put the phone down or contact your local HMRC office, who will be able to verify whether the call was genuine."

Bob Gaiger, Kent spokesman for HM Revenue & Customs said: "We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We never use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances."