Officers investigating allegations of fraud involving elderly and vulnerable victims in a credit card scam are appealing to witnesses.

Kent Police has been made aware of incidents which are possibly linked, whereby people have been befriended by a man who is then reported to have abused their trust, in order to steal from them.

On October 17 staff at a bank in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells called police concerning suspicious transactions involving one of their customers, a woman aged in her 50s.

It was reported a man had been making purchases without the card holder’s permission. Transactions included a pair of shoes bought for more than £200.

Inquiries are also ongoing into allegations involving a victim aged in her 60s, said to have been befriended by a man in Tunbridge Wells.

It is reported he offered to help her by going to the supermarket to buy groceries, but then used the woman’s cash card to make a number of unauthorised purchases.

PC Charlotte Brown said: "Sadly criminals will sometimes deliberately target and finically exploit the most vulnerable in our communities and we are asking people with the likes of elderly friends, relatives or neighbours, to help us warn them of the risks of fraud.

"We are also urging anyone who may have noticed anything unusual or suspicious to contact us. It is possible there may be other victims in the Tunbridge Wells area and also in West Malling."

If you have any information call our west Kent appeal lines on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/6307/17/CA. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Jean Hallot, aged 46 and of Kirkdale Road, Tunbridge Wells was arrested on 17 October 2017 and has now been charged with an offence of fraud by false representation. He is bailed to appear before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 23 January 2018.