News

KCC Scams Warnings

20 October 2023
Dear Kent Residents

This week we had received reports from Kent Police of doorstep criminal in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Chesterfield knocking on doors after dark trying to sell cleaning products.

If someone calls at your home and trying to sell items just say no and close the door. Do not let them in your property, give them cash for goods or your bank details. Warn and inform friends and family.

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

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

We have reports of cold callers in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Chesterfield area. They are trying to sell cleaning goods after dark.

If someone calls at your home and trying to sell items just say no and close the door. Do not let them in your property, give them cash for goods or your bank details.

Report to Police on 101
☎️ For advice contact Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133.

The Cost of Living Crisis can make us all more susceptible to scams and cold callers make sure you look out for friends and family

Kent resident targeted with TV License scam

Resident received an email to pay for their TV License. The next day a scammer called them saying he was from the residents bank and they were a victim of fraud and was asked to give their credit card details.

The TV Licensing guidance says:

✅We include the name and/or part of your postcode in our emails. Many scams simply use your email address or say ‘Dear Customer’.

✅We send our emails from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk).

✅If you are a TV Licensing payment card customer and you make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, you may receive emails from noreply@paypoint.com. The sender’s name will show as ‘TVL Pay’.

❌Scammers often hide the true email address they’re using, check the email address. On your device, select the sender’s name (or email address) to show the actual email address.

Read more here

More reports of Facebook marketplace scams. Scammers message you to buy the item with condition of seeing proof of posting before they release the funds but the funds never get released.

Learn how to buy and sell responsibly on Facebook Marketplace

Report and advice Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133

Kent Police have received reports of an old scam that is re-targeting Kent residents.

⛔ Residents receive a package addressed to them but contains items they had not ordered. Soon after they receive the packages a criminal impersonating a courier arrives to recollect the packages, claiming they had been delivered to the wrong address.

This is a scam.

Residents have no idea until they get messages from the companies requesting payment for the goods.

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

Aldi GB recalls Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry because wheat (gluten) is not mentioned on the label

Product details
Pack size: 500g
Use by: All dates

Advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product and have coeliac disease, and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund. For more information please visit help.aldi.co.uk or call customer services on 0800 042 0800.

More information

Product Recall for Maeau baby girl’s pumpkin outfit sold via Amazon presenting a serious chemical risk.

Hazard
The product presents a serious chemical risk as the plasticised material on the bottom of the shoes contains bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in excess of the maximum specified limit. Phthalates can potentially harm children’s health either via cancer or non-cancer effects and may cause the child to have long term health implications.

Product Information
Amazon ASIN’s: B0B5LJ2SKB and B0B5LHGTTY

Corrective action
The authority are requiring the recall of the product from end users. The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Amazon).

Read more

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.

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