Dear Kent Residents The Cost Of Living crisis is making everyone anxious and that can make us more vulnerable to scams or doorstep crime. Being aware of the scams that are circulating can help keep you safe. Make sure you share that knowledge with friends, family and neighbours. Think about printing these emails and displaying in community areas.The more informed we become the less vulnerable we are to these criminalsKind regards
Victim Safeguarding Officer
Detectives have begun contacting 70,000 people suspected of being victims of a sophisticated banking scam. As many as 200,000 people in the UK may have been victims of the scam losing thousands of pounds and in one case £3m.The Police will be contacting those connected to the scam and texts were sent ONLY on 24 and 25 November asking them to go to the Action Fraud website to register their details.Police are aware of the potential dangers of sending a text message and if you receive one, it should only have a link to the Action Fraud website and only be received on 24 or 25 November. Text messages with different content or received after Friday 25 should be regarded as attempted fraud.Read more on this story on BBC https://bbc.in/3Xs6Gcf
A resident received a letter that appeared to be from a doctor’s surgery. Their name, address and phone number were correct but the resident was suspicious. On contacting the surgery it was confirmed that the letter wasn’t sent by them. While no money was lost through this it does show that a scam is taking place to steal people’s personal information. Please report all letters that are fake to Citizens Advice consumer helpline where you can also receive advice. Call 0808 223 1133.
A resident ordered an air fryer for £35, then via email was told they had to pay money to transfer from pounds to dollars. Although this was done, they never received their purchase. Contact your bank immediately if you think you may have made a payment to a scammer.Get advice from Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
A resident received an email from a company with a fake domain (the name of a website). It said they could increase their bitcoin wallet by 35% and asked the resident to buy bitcoins worth over £10k.Contact your bank immediately if you think you may have made a payment to a scammer. Get advice from Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
If you have information on doorstep criminals, counterfeit, fake or illegal goods, illicit tobacco, loan sharks or those selling restricted items to underage kids. Call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on0800 555 111
To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline on0808 223 1133.
Report to Crimestoppers Report to Citizens Advice
SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE