KCC Scams Update – Great Mongeham Parish Council

Dear Kent Residents

Earlier this month KCC Trading Standards and Community Wardens have been visiting communities and villages around Gravesend.

We spoke to many residents about the dangers of Doorstep Crime and scams; how they target people and how to protect yourself and look out for the community.

They had many people tell how they are targeted by Doorstep Criminals offering:

Gardening work
Tree and hedge trimming
Gutter cleaning
Roofing work
Driveway work

One resident said they had to pay £50 after a cold caller cleaned his gutters even though he hadn’t asked them to do it. Another was told there was a problem with their roof, but when they said they were renting the cold caller soon left.

Other residents report Nottingham Knocker’s/Duster Sellers who often use a ‘sob story’ or claim to be ex-military and then sell over priced household goods like dusters or tea towels.

Trading Standards and Community Wardens also visited local business like doctors surgery’s, pharmacies, shops, post office, hairdressers, cafes and other local businesses giving information to the business owners and asking them to report any suspicious activity.

They also left posters to be displayed. You can download a poster to display in local premises or notice boards here

Over the week they did four talks, two of which were impromptu due to the demand for information that many people asked for. A further two were requested for a future date in a local library and bank branch.
They organised pop up stalls, one at the local garden centre Millbank which attracted over 150 visitors to their stand.

Over the week they gave out over 1,000 leaflets and spoke to many residents and explained how to use a safe trader by using Trading Standards Checked Scheme.

If your local group or event would like a talk from Trading Standards contact Trading Standards Officer Neil Butcher on 03000 412 020.

Find your nearest Community Warden.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

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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