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| Dear Kent Residents
This week we have had reports from Kent Police that cold callers are impersonating HMRC presenting fake ID badges. They state you owe money to HMRC and try to get you to pay in person or via a telephone number.If you’re concerned about someone calling at your home, do not open your door or engage with anyone impersonating HMRC as they do not conduct home visits.
For the latest scam alerts as we receive them please add us on Facebook or Instagram
Kind regards
Victim Safeguarding Officer |
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| Kent Police have received information of cold callers in the Dartford area impersonating HMRC personnel using fake ID badges. These criminals may be operating in other areas in Kent so please be alert.
They state you owe money to HMRC and try to get you to pay in person or via a telephone number.
If you’re concerned about someone calling at your home, don’t open your door. Do not engage with anyone impersonating HMRC as they do not conduct home visits.
Any concerns report a non-urgent crime online or talk to Kent Police on LiveChat – available 24/7.
If you think that you may have been a victim of this, then contact your bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159. |
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| For homeowners, the prospect of winter means a review of any work needed to make sure your home is watertight and prepared for any possible storm. Doorstep Criminals know this, and will be looking to target you.
They will knock at your door and offer:
– Gutter cleaning
– Roof repairs or cleaning
– Driveway cleaning or maintenance
– Tree felling or garden work
They use high-pressure or scare tactics and tell you they can do it for a good price – but only if you agree now. The work they carry out will be overpriced, unnecessary and of poor quality Never agree to have work done by cold callers.
Plan now, what work do you need?
– Find a safe local trader using Trading Standards Checked
– Get three quotes
Look out for neighbours and friends, report any cold callers to Kent Police on 101. |
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| Text scam impersonating EE with fake prize offer
⛔ Criminals are targeting people with a text scam that states you have thousands of points on your account due to a ‘system failure’ and encourages you to follow a link to ‘redeem your prizes in time’.
This is a scam.
The link takes you to a fake website which asks for your personal details before presenting various fake prizes for you to choose from.
If you receive a text like this do not click the link. If you have responded, be wary of any unexpected calls, messages or emails – especially if they ask you to transfer money or make a payment.
For advice and to report contact Citizens Advice on consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 |
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| Kent residents targeted with timeshare scam
⛔ We have received reports of Kent residents being targeted by timeshare scams. In this instance the residents had a letter about unpaid maintenance fees and threatening calls from a ‘bailiff’.
This is a scam.
Never respond to cold calls, emails or letters – your details have probably been obtained illegally.
Seek advice first: Before making significant financial decisions, speak with trusted friends or family members, or seek professional independent advice.
Read advice from Action Fraud
For advice and to report contact Citizens Advice on consumer helpline 0808 223 1133. |
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| Did you know that fake toys often have toxic chemicals?
One of the most common toxic metals found in counterfeit toys is lead. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children, as their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead’s harmful effects.
Fake toys are also made with low-quality materials which often contain loose parts or sharp edges. Giving fake toys to children could have serious consequences, and could lead to choking, burns, damage to hearing, or even strangulation.
If you have information about fake products, tell CrimeStoppers what you know. You stay 100% anonymous. Always. No one will know you’ve spoken up, but what you tell us could make a big difference. Speak up here |
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| ⚠️ River Island Baby Girls Pink Peplum Quilted Snowsuit presenting a risk of choking.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as the silver poppers may become loose, producing a small part.
Corrective action: The product has been recalled from end users.
Product Details
Brand: River Island
Product code:458873
Sales period: August 2023 to October 2023
More information |
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| ⚠️ Tesco is recalling Tesco Plant Chef Sweet Potato & Chickpea Tikka Masala because it may contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.
Product details
Tesco Plant Chef Sweet Potato & Chickpea Tikka Masala
Pack size: 400g
Batch code: L23215S
Best before: 31 August 2024
Advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund, no receipt is required. For further details please contact Tesco customer services on 0800 505 555.
More information |
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| ⚠️ 3M™ Peltor™ X-series P5 Over the Ear Earmuffs (helmet attached) presenting a health risk.
Hazard: The earmuff headband force decreases over time when used in combination with certain helmets. This decrease in force could lead to the earmuffs offering less protection.
Product information
Type: Personal Protective Equipment – Over the ear earmuff (helmet attached)
Product identifiers: X1P5E, X2P5E, X3P5E, X4P5E, X5P5E
More information |
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To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline on
0808 223 1133. |
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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 the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 |
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| Trading Standards Checked carries out checks on traders so customers can have peace of mind when choosing a tradesperson to do work in their home.
Please help to keep your family and community safe. If you need work done in your home or garden, visit the website to find a safe local tradesperson. |
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| You can view our Privacy Notice at any time. It explains what personal data we hold about you, how we collect the data and how we may use and share information about you. We are required to give this information under the data protection law. |
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