When they go wrong there can be catastrophic results similar to the recently reported house fire in Kent connected to an e-scooter. Whilst most battery devices are well manufactured, and in normal use do not present a high risk, lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous if they are:

• Dropped
• Damaged by being crushed, pierced.
• Exposed to heat.

Kent Trading Standards advise to protect your device and battery from damage:

• Always follow the manufacturers instruction on how to care for your device.
• Only use the charging equipment supplied for your device, other charging cables may provide too high a charge and could damage the battery.
• If you need to replace a charger or cable buy manufacturer approved. Counterfeit or cheap aftermarket devices and cables may damage your battery.
• Never leave batteries / devices on charge overnight.
• Do not leave devices next to sources of heat for long periods of time.
• Never cover chargers or charging devices – e.g. using your laptop power lead in bed.

If you experience any of the following from your device, a popping noise, see smoke or gas, or smell a sweet chemical smell, then your battery is failing.  You should evacuate the area / building and call the Fire Service immediately.

✅ If you see something that you think is a scam, you should stop communicating with the buyer or seller immediately and report to Facebook.

✅ If you want advice on a scam contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133

⛔ The resident messaged an advertiser about a 4 bedroom house to rent in Kent. It looked in immaculate condition and was a great price.
⛔ The scammer took the conversation off Facebook onto email where he said the property was rented via Airbnb.
⛔ They were told they could not view the property as the landlord lives far away but all pictures were verified by Airbnb.
⛔ The scammer explained that Airbnb will be like the letting agent and they would have a 48-hour window to pay the money, view the house and if they didn’t like it the they could get all the money back. He said AirBnb would give them a contract and any money will go through them.

🚨 This is a scam.

❎ Thankfully the resident contacted Airbnb and asked them if this was all true. They had no record of the property being verified with them and they said that’s not how Airbnb works.

For advice and to report scams contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

⛔ The homeowner was called by a company who said they were doing work on behalf of the Council. The company said they would inspect, at no cost, the inverter on the homeowners solar panels. Fortunately the resident called the Council to check, they had no knowledge of this and confirmed the caller was a scammer.

🚨 This is a scam.

We know that householders are being targeted by bogus companies offering unnecessary work on solar panels.

❎ Be very cautious of cold callers.
❎ Always double check what they are saying to you.
❎ If you need a safe trader use Trading Standards Checked 

For advice and to report contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

❌ Affected batch code: 1F01
❌ Sales period: February 1, 2021 to March 10, 2023
❌ This product does not meet the requirements of The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

⚠️Hazard: The notice has been issued because Benzyl Benzoate 120-51-4 which is an antimicrobial, perfuming & solvent ingredient & CI 15865 3564-21-4 / 5280-66-0 which is a colorant ingredient are not indicated on the ingredients list for batch 1F01. No other batches are affected.

❎ If you are in possession of this product and you have an allergy or intolerance to Benzyl Benzoate 120-51-4, please immediately stop using the product and return it to your local Argos store for a full refund. Please see the Argos recall website.

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