News

KCC Fraud Updates

3 November 2023
Dear Kent Residents

This week we are asking Kent resident to be alert to Doorstep Criminals knocking on your door following storm Ciaran. They might tell you a tile has blown off your roof or that tree branches are overhanging a footpath and must be cut back immediately.

If you think there may be a problem with your roof or insulation, use a safe trader visit Trading Standards Checked.

Please continue to warn friends and family.

For the latest scams alerts as we receive them please add us on Instagram or Facebook.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Are you buying fireworks this weekend? Avoid unknown sellers on social media and only buy from licensed retailers.

Despite safety warnings, injuries occur every year. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display.

If you do buy fireworks:

Always check for the CE mark.

It is illegal for under 18’s to buy or carry fireworks.

Let your neighbours and those with pets or horses know in advance and stop at the appropriate time.

Read safety warnings on the box, and if you’re unsure, don’t use them.

Please help to keep us all safe this season by sharing this video.

For more information visit Kent Fire and Rescue Service

We have had reports of cold callers going from door to door offering roofing work in the Medway area. Doorstep Criminals move across the country targeting areas so please make sure you warn friends and family.

⛔ Never agree to work from cold callers at the door
❌ You will pay for poor-quality work that may be unnecessary
❌ And if they do not dispose of any waste properly you can receive a fine. Get advice here if you’re paying someone to take your rubbish away.

✅ If you want work on your home use a safe trader from Trading Standards Checked
✅ Report cold callers to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 100% anonymously
✅ For advice contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133

Kent Police report numerous reports of Courier Fraud in Folkestone and Deal

There have been six reports from Kent Police to residents in Folkestone and Deal – please warn and inform friends and family.

❌ All reports state 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.

Watch ‘Courier Fraud Warning: Stay Wise, Don’t Compromise’ 

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 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

We are asking Kent resident to be alert to Doorstep Criminals knocking on your door following storm Ciaran. They might tell you a tile has blown off your roof or that tree branches are overhanging a footpath and must be cut back immediately.

❎ Just say no and close the door on the cold caller
❎ Never agree to work on your house or garden by someone who knocks at your door
❎ Reputable builders, roofers and gardeners do not cold call. If you need storm damage work done visit the Trading Standards Checked website

Food Recall ⚠️ Morrisons, Asda and Tesco recalls crispy bites because of undeclared egg. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg.

Product Details
Morrisons Market Street 18 Caramel Crispy Bites
Pack size: 18
Best before: All dates up to and including 12 December 2023

The Bakery at Asda 20 Chocolate Caramel Mini Crisp Bites
Pack size: 200g
Best before: All dates up to and including 14 December 2023

Tesco 20 Crispy Caramel Bites
Pack size: 20
Best before: All dates up to and including 4 December 2023

Advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to egg, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

For Morrison’s product recall information
For Asda’s product recall information
For Tesco’s product recall information

Report scams and get advice from Citizens Advice consumer helpline 
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 
To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline on
0808 223 1133.

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE

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