Kent County Council Public Protection – Latest Scam Alerts

Latest Scam Alerts August 2022

Kent residents are being targeted by a HMRC Tax Credit scam. Residents are receiving emails claiming to be from HMRC and asking them to provide proof of identity, such as your passport or driving licence. This is a scam❗

Courier fraud involves a scammer impersonating a police officer or banking official to steal your money and personal information.

How do criminals trick residents into courier fraud?

The scammers scare victims with threats of arrests or causing problems with getting the money back if they tell anyone or won’t co-operate.

⚠️Kent residents targeted by scammers pretending to be Citizens Advice.

☎️ You get a call from someone saying they are from Citizens Advice, asking for details and payments to be made.

❗ This is a scam

With the World Cup starting in three months’ time, Kent residents are being urged to be wary of potential scams. We have seen reports of residents receiving fraudulent letters claiming they have won thousands of pounds associated to a FIFA lottery.

The scammers send instructions on how to claim your prize, which involves giving your personal information and the criminals ask for an upfront ‘processing fee’.

We have had reports of users selling items on Facebook Marketplace and the buyer asking for proof of postage via WhatsApp before payment will be made.

A demand is then made that the payment won’t be released unless a fee is paid.

Be cautious when selling online❗

Report scams to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040
For advice, Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133