Dear Kent Residents
A police scam has been targeting residents this week all across Kent.
Residents are receiving phone calls falsely claiming their bank account has been compromised, their card needs replacing, a family member has been arrested, they must buy gold or a courier will come to collect their card, cash or gold.
These are scams. The police will never ask for your financial details over the phone or send someone to collect your card, cash, or valuables.
If this happens to you, call your bank immediately using 159 or report to Kent Police.
⚠️ A parking payment scam has been affecting residents.
One resident received a text message shortly after paying for parking. The message linked to a fake website which looked like a legitimate parking provider. The site has now been taken down, but this type of phishing scam may continue.
These messages appear convincing and suggest that you still owe money or need to make an urgent payment. In some cases, they are timed to arrive soon after a genuine parking session, which can make them seem real.
🚨Please take care if you receive any unexpected text about parking charges or payments.
❌Do not click on links in messages you were not expecting.
✅If you need to check or pay for parking, always go directly to a trusted parking app.
❌The council never contacts drivers in relation to parking via text message.
⚠️If you have any doubts about a fine or message you’ve received, please email parking.office@tmbc.gov.uk
➡️How to report:
Forward any suspicious text messages to 7726 (this is free).
National Cyber Security Herne Centre
⚠️ Kent residents: Take extra care when choosing a trader
Kent Trading Standards is warning residents to thoroughly check any trader before agreeing to work – especially those found in adverts, directories, magazines or leaflets.
While many legitimate businesses advertise in these publications, inclusion in an advert or directory should not be seen as a recommendation, guarantee of reliability, or having the required skills to carry out the work.
We’ve recently received reports of residents who used advertised traders from a local booklet and experienced poor workmanship and significant financial loss.
Before agreeing to any work:
✅ Get at least three written quotes
✅ Check independent reviews and references
✅ Never feel pressured into making a quick decision
✅ Be wary of traders who ask for large upfront payments
✅ Ask friends, family or neighbours for recommendations
For added reassurance, always use a use a safe, local trader from the Trading Standards Checked scheme, where members have been vetted by Kent Trading Standards.
If you are concerned about a trader or believe you have been targeted by a rogue trader, report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.