Dear Kent Residents
We have received a report of a consumer who searched online for their insurer’s phone number following a road traffic collision and unknowingly contacted a third-party company instead. Believing they were speaking to their insurance provider, they arranged a claim and vehicle recovery, only to later discover that no claim had been submitted to their insurer and that additional charges were being demanded.
Please be alert and remind friends and family to take extra care when searching online for insurance contact details after an accident.
Always use the contact details provided on your insurance policy documents, your insurer’s app, or their official website. Before sharing personal information or agreeing to vehicle recovery, make sure you know exactly who you are speaking to and contact your insurer directly if you are unsure.
For advice or to report a scam, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or report it to Kent Police.
⚠️ Residents are being caught out by hidden subscription scams after using online accommodation booking websites.
One consumer booked holiday accommodation through a booking website and later discovered they had been automatically signed up to a subscription service without their knowledge. When they challenged the charge, the trader refused to provide a refund.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Check the terms and conditions carefully before completing an online booking.
🚨Watch out for pre-ticked boxes or offers that include “free trials” or membership benefits.
⚠️ Review confirmation emails and bank statements for unexpected subscription payments.
📞 Contact your payment provider as soon as possible if you notice an unauthorised charge.
➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: online or on 0808 223 1133