KCC Public Protection

• the Winter Fuel Payment
• a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
• help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and hospital transport costs
• other benefits depending on your circumstances.

If you or someone you know is retired and on a low income, you could be eligible for extra support. Check now to see if you can claim.

Thank you.
Mark Rolfe
Interim Head Community Protection

Doorstep criminals cold call on unsuspecting households offering convincing deals to try to get you to agree to having work carried out. We know that if you accept work from a doorstep criminal you’ll pay much more than you intended for very poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work.

Find out how to protect yourself from doorstep criminals

☎️You can report doorstep criminals to Kent Police on 101 or to the charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. You’ll stay 100% anonymous, always.

We have received multiple reports of Kent residents being scammed by scanning QR codes in public places from hotels to car parks.

One resident scanned a QR code on a desk of hotel for a offer on home bedding products and this triggered a scam where they lost £900. When they contacted the hotel, they had no knowledge of this offer.

Before scanning a QR code, like in a restaurant or some other public space, check that it hasn’t been tampered with or got a sticker placed over an original code. If you see a QR code that is on a card on a public place like a hotel, ask a member of staff before proceeding.

☎️For advice and to report a scam please contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

❌ All reports state residents receive a call from a criminal impersonating their bank or a Police officer. This scam can change from having a family member arrested and you need to call 999 or their bank saying a staff member was being investigated and they need the resident’s help.

This is a scam!

❎ The Police would NEVER telephone and ask for your bank card and pin number to be collected by a courier or withdraw cash or buy gold 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 to Kent Police on 101.

The scam involves multiple people attending the sellers address. One of the criminals will distract the seller and another will put oil in the coolant or water in the oil of the vehicle for sale. They will then show this to the seller and state that the engine has blown and offer a much lower amount to purchase.

Stay with the buyers – don’t leave them alone with the car or allow yourself to be distracted at the rear of the vehicle whilst someone is looking at the engine.

Be aware of suspicious behaviour – criminals will often request an enormous discount due to the ‘fault’ with the vehicle.

Be confident to refuse the sale – if you are doubtful about how genuine the buyer is or believe that something suspicious is going on, do not hand over the keys.

☎️If you have been a victim of this type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159. To get advice and report it please contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

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.

• Check a food hygiene rating
• Report a food problem
• Allergy and intolerance
• Food hygiene
• Food safety

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE

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