Dear Kent Residents,
Doorstep criminals have been active this week in Maidstone, Ashford, Faversham and Sheerness, knocking on doors and claiming there are issues with roofs, such as loose or damaged tiles.
In several cases, residents have been pressured into agreeing to work, given invoices with little or no trader details, or made to feel intimidated.
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.
⚠️ This week, DPD delivery text scams have been targeting residents.
These messages often claim:
🔴 A delivery has been missed
🔴 There is an unpaid delivery fee that needs to be settled
🚨 These are scams. Do not reply to the message or click any links.
✅ What to do instead:
If you think a message could be genuine, visit the official DPD website directly
Use trusted tracking information or contact details found on their website, not those in the message
➡️ Report to National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
➡️ Get advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
⚠️Scammers are taking advantage of the Financial Conduct Authority’s car finance compensation scheme.
Consumer group Which? has warned about fake texts, emails and websites claiming you are owed compensation for mis-sold car finance.
These scams are designed to trick you into sharing personal and sensitive information.
If you receive a message like this:
🔴 do not click links
🔴 do not share personal details
🔴 delete the message
➡️ Report to National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
➡️ Advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
⚠️ Planning to buy tickets or attend summer events and concerts? Stay alert to ticket fraud.
Ticket fraud remains common during busy event seasons. Criminals often use fake adverts, emails and messages to sell tickets that do not exist.
✅ Protect yourself:
Buy only from official sellers or authorised resale sites
Avoid paying by bank transfer
Be cautious of unexpected offers or pressure to buy quickly
Check for STAR membership (Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers)
🚨 If you have shared bank or card details, contact your bank immediately by calling 159
☎️ For free advice and to report a scam, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
⚠️ Every year, reports are received of online websites selling fake flight tickets to Kent residents.
The scam typically involves purchasing flight tickets through an unofficial or fake booking website. Victims often only discover the fraud when they arrive at the airport and are told there is no record of their booking. In many cases, refunds are not possible.
✅ How to protect yourself:
Only book flights through official airline websites or well‑known, trusted travel providers
Be cautious of websites offering flight prices that seem too good to be true
Check reviews and ensure secure payment methods before booking
➡️ For advice and to report a scam, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133