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| Dear Kent Residents
With Spring not far away the doorstep criminals are increasing their activity, make sure you look out for family and friends who may be targeted. Warn them about how these criminals operate.
The more awareness we have the less likely we are to fall victim.
Kind regards
Victim Safeguarding Officer |
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DOORSTEP CRIME IN FOLKESTONE, HYTHE AND DYMCHURCH
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| We have received reports this week that doorstep criminals are active in Folkestone, Hythe and Dymchurch. They are calling at homes in the area offering to clean driveways. They are also aggressively telling people their roof needs work.
Do not respond to cold callers, just say no. Work will be poor quality, very expensive and unnecessary. Please look out for friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable.
If you need work on your home, chose a safe trader, use Trading Standards Checked.
⚠️ Report Doorstep Criminals to Kent Police on 101
🚨 If they refuse to leave dial 999
☎️ For advice call Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133. |
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| Kent resident was called by a scammer impersonating a bailiff who said they had a warrant and pressured them to pay £3,000 immediately via bank transfer or another £900 would be added to the total.
The scammer also gave a telephone number for the resident to confirm this with the court. This number was was not a genuine number for a court but another involved scammer.
When the resident called the court number they were told to pay and if they disputed they could counter-claim the money. The Bailiff also told the resident what to tell their bank if they queried the transfer of money.
This is a scam 🚨
The cost of living has made us all more vulnerable. Never feel pressured to make a payment. To check what your rights are and if you owe money visit ‘Action your creditor can take’ from the Citizens Advice website.
For advice and to report scams like this call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. |
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| A recent Facebook ad offering a room to rent in Canterbury. The Kent resident was sent a video of the room and told to pay £500 upfront and send a photo of their passport to confirm identity.
A tenant agreement was sent via different email making the resident feel uneasy. After researching they found the same person advertising the room across different towns in Britain.
Watch our video on Renting and your Rights as a Tenant.
For advice and to report contact Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133 |
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| Kent residents are being targeted by debt collector scammers that may have obtained your personal details including credit report. They may be impersonating legitimate debt collection businesses.
It is illegal for debt collectors to threaten you with arrest or imprisonment. Be wary of any debt collector asking for immediate online payment
☎️ Report scams and get advice from Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133
💻 Online advice about debt from Citizens Advice or Money Helper.
🎬 Watch our latest video on stopping loan sharks here. |
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ONLINE SUPERMARKET IMPERSONATION SCAM
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| Kent resident tried to use Facebook to thank Sainsbury’s staff who were very kind when she had a fall. She thought she had clicked on to Sainsbury’s customer service but it was a fake page impersonating them. The scammers then told her to download an app called Remitly and asked for her bank details.
This is a scam. Always double check you are on the official social media page for a business. If you are unsure go to their website and click their social media link from there.
☎️ For advice or to report scams contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. |
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Cost of Living Advice & Information
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How To Avoid Doorstep Crime Scams
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| Clive Phillips and Neil Butcher, from Kent Trading Standards, talk about the risks of cold callers and how to steer clear of doorstep criminals and scams. |
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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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To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline on
0808 223 1133. |
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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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Our mailing address is:
Kent County Council
Invicta House
Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX
United Kingdom
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