Latest Scam Alerts

Dear Kent Residents People assume that the victims of scams and Doorstep Crime are gullible, vulnerable, or less intelligent. But in many cases, the person who falls for a scam does so because of the psychological techniques employed by the scammer—and not because of some personal flaw. Being aware of the scams that are circulating can help keep you safe.

 

Doorstep Criminals Target Residents in Challock, Ashford Our colleagues at Kent Police reported two men calling at houses in Challock offering driveway work with business cards that have been copied to look well-known paving companies’ logo. ⛔ Never respond to cold callersIf you need work doing on your home, garden or driveway use safe traders on Trading Standards Checked https://tschecked.kent.gov.uk/ ⛔ Report cold callers anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111If they become aggressive or refuse to leave call Kent Police on 999 For advice contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133

 

Office of Product Safety and Standards intervened on more than 66,000 dangerous Belling, New World and Stoves gas cookers which pose a carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Consumers are also warned until the modification has been completed, they must only use the gas grill with the grill door open.                            Consumer advice is available on the company’s websites:

Belling – https://bit.ly/3TfHweE

Stoves – https://bit.ly/3pHzv4K

 

We have received a report of a Kent resident who has been targeted by a gas bill scam. The resident received emails and telephone calls saying they owe £69.99 to their old energy supplier who went bust. The phone number, when searched shows as a possible fraud number. 

Read OFGEM What happens if your energy supplier goes bust https://bit.ly/3fX1mfT

 

We have received reports of websites imitating well-known brands to scam online shoppers. If the site is missing key information like sizing or showing lots of errors in wording leave the site and search for the official website If you think you have paid through a scam website, contact your bank immediately.

Report fraud to: ACTION FRAUD: 0300 123 2040    Get free advice from: CITIZENS ADVICE: 0808 223 1133