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KCC Scams News

   

2 June 2023
Dear Kent Residents

This week we have reports from Kent Police on the latest telephone scam along with Asda and Etsy product recalls and used car scams on Facebook.

Please take time to read and share with friends and family and catch up on our Cost of Living Newscasts to shop safely online and in Kent.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Our colleagues at Kent Police have reported a scam telephone call.

⛔ A resident had a phone call from a business offering to check their homes fuse box. The scammer said a new law required all fuse boxes over 5 years old to be checked. He offered to arrange a time to visit the resident.

🚨 This is a scam. Luckily the resident did not respond.

It appears to be an attempt to gain access to the home or trick the resident into paying for unnecessary work. Be wary of any cold callers whether on the phone or at your door, just say No! Please warn friends and family.

If you need work carried out on your home use a safe trader by contacting Trading Standards Checked

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

Fake emails stating undelivered bank or credit cards.

⛔ Be on the lookout for FAKE emails informing you about an undelivered
bank or credit card. The email states that the recipient has a bank or credit card waiting to be delivered to them and provides an email address to contact and arrange delivery. The contact information in the emails do not belong to the legitimate banks or credit card providers and is criminals trying to steal your personal/financial data and your money.

🚨 This is a scam.

If you receive a suspicious email then forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk

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 or call 0300 123 2040.

Kent residents targeted by Investment and Cryptoasset scams

We have received multiple complaints about this type of fraud. The criminals will make plausible claims about the investment.
❌ They will help you set up an online account
❌ They will ask for proof of i.d. and address
❌ They will show you how well your investment is doing
❌ They phone you to encourage you to invest more

🚨 It’s a scam.

The Financial Conduct Authority warns cryptoassets, like Bitcoin and Ether (also known as cryptocurrencies), are not regulated in the UK. They have previously issued consumer warnings on the risks of investing in cryptocurrency Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and Initial Coin Offerings.

Read more from Financial Conduct Authority.

Be wary of adverts online and on social media promising high returns on investments in cryptoasset or cryptoasset-related products. If you’re contacted unexpectedly by a financial business or individual, make sure you reply using the contact details on the FS Register.

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

Used Car Scam on Facebook Marketplace

⛔ Kent resident saw an advert on Facebook Marketplace selling a car for a reduced price. They contacted the seller who told them that the car was with a shipping agent and that all the documents were with them and that they were dealing with the sale.

🚨 This is a scam.

After the resident did some research they couldn’t find any reviews or a correct telephone number for the company which only had a website which looked fraudulent. Further checks for MOT found that the images were from a previous advert and these were old images.

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

Asda recalls OMV! Mac ‘N’ No Cheese because of undeclared milk

❌ It may contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

Affected use by dates
– 1 June 2023
– 2 June 2023 and
– 3 June 2023.

❎ If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund. For more information, please contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.

More information here.

USB-C plug 20W replacement charger sold via Etsy presenting a serious risk of electric shock.

❌ The product presents a serious risk of electric shock as it is not structurally sound and has insufficient creepage and clearance distances.

Model Number: SP-TC78A
Etsy listing number: 1057216877

❎ The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Etsy).

We strongly advise that consumers stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.

More information here.

Report scams and get advice from Citizens Advice consumer helpline 
Watch Cost of Living Newscast Episodes

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 
Report to Crimestoppers

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

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.

Visit Trading Standards Checked

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