Latest Scam Alerts This Week

Dear Kent Residents,

As the number of scams continues to increase, this is our regular round-up of the latest scams reported by Kent residents. Anyone can be a victim of a scam. It is important to stay alert and follow our guidance.

⛔ Reputable traders and contractors do not cold-call for business and they will NEVER ask you to go to the bank or cash point.
⛔ If you receive a scam phone call, hang up and don’t return their calls. NEVER disclose any personal information such as bank details, no matter who the person claims to be.


The potential victim received a phone call claiming to be from the Criminal Court in Birmingham on behalf of HMRC. They were told that they were being investigated and an arrest warrant was issued for their arrest. The victim was asked to pay what supposedly was owed to HMRC or face going to court and prison. This is a scam!


We have had a report of a Kent resident who was scammed by Provisional Driving Licence application fraud. When applying for a driving licence, always complete the application on the GOV.UK website. This should only cost £34!


We have received a report from a Kent resident who answered the door to a fraudster pretending to be a Trading Standards Officer. The doorstep criminal claimed that the resident owed £24,000. Fortunately, the resident was alert to doorstep criminals and reported it immediately. This is doorstep crime!


Never keep your bank card with your phone! The BBC offers great advice about how to protect yourself following a spate of thefts from gym lockers in London. The thief steals your phone and bank card, and can then access your bank account once they get an access code from your bank via your phone

GET FREE ADVICE FROM CITIZENS ADVICE

REPORT SCAMS TO ACTION FRAUD

ACTION FRAUD: 0300 123 2040

CITIZENS ADVICE: 0808 223 1133

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.

Visit Trading Standards Checked

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Kent County Council

Invicta House

Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX

United Kingdom