Dear Kent Residents
Doorstep criminals have been active this week in Sevenoaks, Swanley, Deal and Dartford offering poor quality roofing, garden and/or plumbing work and intimidating residents into overpaying.
Please be alert and warn your vulnerable friends and family to never respond to cold callers as you will pay a high cost for unnecessary and poor-quality work.
If you need work done on your home or garden use a safe, local trader from Trading Standards Checked.
Report cold callers anonymously to the charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here.
For further advice call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
⚠️ A Kent resident has been targeted by a rental scam linked to an advert on OpenRent.
The advert appeared genuine, and the resident exchanged messages and a phone call before paying a deposit. When they later went to view the property, they were left waiting with no response, confirming the advert was a scam.
How to protect yourself:
❌Never send money before viewing a property in person
⚠️Be cautious of rental adverts that seem rushed or too good to be true
✅Use secure, traceable payment methods
🚨Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, pause and check
➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline
Kent Police