News

KCC Fraud Updates

8 December 2023
Dear Kent Residents

This week we are promoting our campaign with Kent Police ‘12 Scams of Christmas

Did you know online shoppers were conned out of £15.4 million online last Christmas?

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch and share our 12 Scams of Christmas video to help protect yourself and others this season from being scammed.

For the latest scam alerts as we receive them please follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Kent Police report multiple incidents of Courier Fraud in Margate, Chatham, Broadstairs, Sevenoaks and Marden

❌ All reports say residents receive a call from the Police and they either need to give their address for a courier to come and get their bank card or money. The scam can change from having a family member arrested and you need to call 999 or that fraud has taken place on your account.

These are all scams.

❎ The Police never telephone and ask your bank card and pin number to be collected by a courier or withdraw cash to assist in an investigation.

❎ Always check the dialing tone after your call to ensure scammers are not still on the phone, use another telephone if possible or call a trusted friend first.

If a courier arrives at your property ring 999. Please warn and inform friends and family.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159.

Report and get advice from Citizens Advice
Kent resident targeted by debt collector scammers. They may be impersonating legitimate debt collection businesses.

Resident received a letter from a debt collection agency telling them that they have taken over management of a mobile phone debt and asking for £68. The debt refers to a company the resident has never had a contract with.

This is a scam.

When the resident tried calling the number on the letter it was not in service and when researching online they found lots of reviews from people having the same experience and stating that this is a scam.

It is illegal for debt collectors to threaten you with arrest or imprisonment. Be wary of any debt collector asking for immediate online payment

Watch our latest video on stopping loan sharks.

Report and get advice from Citizens Advice
Kent resident scammed with online banking scam

⛔ Resident received a call from scammer impersonating her bank stating they were from the fraud department and there had been some unusual activity on their account due to spyware on her laptop. They told the resident they could remove the spyware over the phone so gave them access.

This is a scam.

A bank will never call you and ask to gain access to your computer or online banking. The scammers took a large amount of money from the residents account and then proceeded to fraudulently take out a loan in her name.

Report and get advice from Citizens Advice
Kent residents to be aware when using ATM cash machines due to the rise in shoulder surfing scams

⛔ Kent Police have received multiple reports of shoulder surfing at ATM’s in the Gravesend are. Criminals watch you input your PIN into the ATM machine and then follow you in attempts to steal your bank card.

Always shield your hand when typing in your PIN number, even if you are using an ATM inside the branch.

More information

Report and get advice from Citizens Advice
⚠️ Important Safety Message from the UK’s national product regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) regarding e-bike and e-scooters.

Legal use of an e-scooter
Visit Kent Police for the latest legal requirements here: https://loom.ly/XOHvTFM

OPSS recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

Step 1: RESEARCH – only BUY an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews
Step 2: READ – always READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters
Step 3: CHECK – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only USE the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger
Step 4: CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always UNPLUG your charger when you have finished charging
Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery

Full statement here.

This week is Electrical Fire Safety Week. The campaign is focusing on the potential risks involved around the home during the Christmas period. Watch the video for top tips and safety advice so you can stay safe with family and friends.

Read more

Mars Wrigley UK recalls various Revels® products because they may contain small pieces of rubber, making them unsafe to eat.

Product details

Revels® More to Share
Pack size 205g
Batch code 344G2SLO00 345B1SLO00
Best before 27 October 2024, 03 November 2024, 10 November 2024

Revels® Pouch
Pack size 112g
Batch code 344E1SLO00, 344E2SLO00, 344F1SLO00, 344F2SLO00, 345D2SLO00, 345E1SLO00, 345E2SLO00, 345F2SLO00, 345G1SLO00, 346C1SLO00
Best before 27 October 2024 03 November 2024 10 November 2024

Revels® Treat Bag (price marked pack)
Pack size 71g
Batch code 344G2SLO00
Best before 27 October 2024, 03 November 2024, 10 November 2024

Advice to consumers
If you have one of the products listed above, please keep the product, and contact Mars Wrigley Consumer Care team using the details below to arrange a refund: Freephone Telephone: 0800 952 0084 Email: www.mars.co.uk/contactus

Freepost address: FREEPOST MARS WRIGLEY CONFECTIONERY UK LTD

More information

Product Recall for George white all over print dinosaur slippers sold by Asda presenting a risk of injuries

⚠️ Hazard: Asda have identified a quality issue with the touch and close fastening becoming unstuck. There is a potential risk of tripping if the Velcro does not remain fastened.

Affected barcodes
– 4K- 5059193200815
– 5K- 5059193200853
– 6K- 5059193200914
– 7K- 5059193200976
– 8K- 5059193201034
– 9K- 5059193201096
– 10K- 5059193200778

Advice to consumers
If you have purchased a white all over dinosaur slipper, please bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt.

More information

Lidl GB is recalling XXL Ocean Sea Cooked & Peeled Large Prawns because they contain sulphites which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites.

Product details
XXL Ocean Sea Cooked & Peeled Large Prawns
Pack size: 1kg
Best before: January 2025

Advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product and have a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund with or without a receipt. For more information contact Lidl customer care on 0203 966 5566 or email customer.care@lidl.co.uk.

More information

Product recall for a toy slide sold on Amazon presenting a serious risk of strangulation.

The product presents a serious risk of strangulation as the fixed loop of the attached basketball net is greater than the 380 mm permissible limit.

Product Information
Barcode: X001RGAKIV
Product ID: FBA15H3GT0BMU000057
Product description: Black and blue design toy slide with attached basketball hoop

More information

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE

To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s 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 the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 
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.

Please share with your community

 

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