News

KCC Scams Update

21 July 2023
Dear Kent Residents

This week we have been out in the community meeting residents in New Romney, Dymchurch, Hythe and surrounding villages to speak to them about doorstep crime and how to avoid it. Today we have been at Hamstreet Garden Centre where many residents from across Kent came to give their experiences with rogue traders and had already heard about the campaign which was wonderful to hear. Please keep sharing with friends and family, it really does help.

For the latest scams alerts as we receive them please add us on Instagram or Facebook.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Kent resident scammed on Instagram selling a pair of designer shoes

⛔ Resident reported that they sold a pair of designer shoes for £610 on Instagram and sent them to the buyer. They did not receive the money and the buyer instantly blocked them. As this sale was in a private Instagram message and the resident had handed over personal financial details they also had to freeze their card with their bank.

🚨 This is a scam.

Due to the cost of living crisis we are all vulnerable to scams online, on Facebook or Instagram and in person. Watch our newscast on how to shop safely online

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

 

Criminals are using mortgage offers “as low as 2.39%” to lure people into phishing scams.

⛔ They request that you click on a link that takes you to a realistic looking website that is under the control of the criminals, who are looking to steal your personal and financial data.

🚨 This is a scam.

❎ Remember if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.

Always forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Your reports have resulted in the removal of 235,000 malicious websites as of May 2023.

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 at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Many of you may have seen on social media, adverts offering attractive
investment opportunities, with the promise of high rewards.

Watch The Billion Dollar Scam from BBC to find out how companies used Premier League sponsorship to target unsuspecting football fans.

How to protect yourself from Financial Investment fraud:

❎ Investment opportunities: Don’t be rushed into making an investment.
❎ Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot.
❎ Seek advice first: Before making significant financial decisions, speak with trusted friends or family members, or seek professional independent advice.
❎ FCA register: Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.

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 at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040

From today new rules come into force which allow Trading Standards to refer sellers of illicit tobacco to @HMRCgovuk. Under the new regulations, sellers of illicit tobacco could receive a penalty of up to £10,000.

Read in full here. 

To report information about the sale of illicit tobacco call 0800 788 887.

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

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.

Please share with your community

 

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