🛡️ Scam Protection in Wembley & Brent
Monday, 31 August 2026
Living in Wembley, Harlesden, Kilburn, Neasden or anywhere in Brent, you're a target for the same national scams as the rest of the UK — plus a few local twists. This page is your local starting point: who to call, where to report, and the scams hitting Brent residents right now.
Who to contact if you're scammed in Brent
| Situation | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Emergency / crime in progress | 999 |
| Non-emergency crime, including scams | 101 (Brent Police) |
| Fraud or cybercrime | Action Fraud — 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk |
| Report anonymously | Crimestoppers — 0800 555 111 |
| Suspicious text message | Forward to 7726 (free) |
Brent is covered by the Metropolitan Police — the North West BCU. You can report most crimes online via the Met's website, and you'll get a crime reference number you can use for insurance and bank claims.
Scams targeting Brent residents right now
- Rental scams — fake Wembley and Harlesden listings on Rightmove-style sites and Facebook Marketplace. Never pay a deposit before viewing in person.
- Courier fraud — callers pretending to be police or bank staff coming to "collect" your card. The Met has warned about this repeatedly in London.
- WhatsApp "Hi Mum" scams — cloned numbers asking for money for a "new phone".
- Fake parking and Congestion Charge texts — links that steal card details.
- Doorstep scams — fake tradespeople, "asphalt" and roofing gangs operating across Brent.
Local help and reporting routes
- Report online via the Met Police website — you'll get a crime reference number immediately
- Call 101 for non-emergencies, or visit Wembley Police Station (Harrow Road, Wembley)
- Action Fraud for any fraud or cybercrime — they issue their own reference number
- Your bank first if you've given out card details or made a payment — they can block cards and recall transfers
- Brent Council for tenant, housing or licensing scams — report via their website
What to do right now
- Paid a scammer? → How to get your money back after a scam
- Gave your bank details? → I gave my bank details to a scammer
- Got a suspicious text or email? → Smishing scams UK — forward texts to 7726
- Someone called pretending to be your bank? → Fake bank caller — what now
- Renting or house-hunting? → Rental scams UK
Related guides
- Police 101 numbers by area — the non-emergency number for every UK force
- Crime reference number UK — what it is, how to get and check one
- Common UK scams — the full list
- What to do if you've been scammed
CyberAware UK — helping families in Wembley, Brent and across the UK report crime, recover from scams, and stay safe online.