KCC Trading Standards Update

17 May 2024

Dear Kent Residents

This week is Loan Shark Week 2024. Loan sharks deceive borrowers into blaming themselves for their situation, but it’s the illegal lenders who are at fault. Stop Loan Sharks England can help and support anyone dealing with a loan shark.

Please continue to warn friends and family. For the latest scams alerts please add us on Instagram or Facebook.

Thank you.
Mark Rolfe
Head Community Protection

Loan Sharks can make their borrowers feel they are to blame for the situation they are in and play on their feeling of shame.

The loan sharks are the ones that hold all the blame, borrowers have done nothing wrong.

For help and support for anyone dealing with a loanshark contact Stop Loan Sharks England today.

Kent Police have received numerous reports of Courier Fraud in Tenterden, Maidstone, Margate, Broadstairs and Dover

❌ All reports state residents receive a call from the Police and they either need to give their address for a courier to come and get their bank card or money. The scam can change from having a family member arrested and you need to call 999 or that fraud has taken place on your account.

🚨 These are all scams.

❎ The Police never telephone and ask your bank card and pin number to be collected by a courier or withdraw cash to assist in an investigation.

❎ Always check the dialing tone after your call to ensure scammers are not still on the phone, use another telephone if possible or call a trusted friend first.

🚨 If a courier arrives at your property ring 999.

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 to Kent Police on 101.

We have received a report from Kent Police of doorstep criminals in Gillingham

🚨 Find out how to protect yourself from doorstep criminals

While this incident was in Gillingham, doorstep criminals are active across the County. Look out for others, report to Kent Police on 101. You can also report it 100% anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Puppy smuggling, illegal breeding and organised dog theft are serious crimes.”

Criminal gangs have profited from the pandemic and people’s desire for a canine companion – and, sadly, they’re also profiting from a surplus of dogs in neighbourhoods since the lockdowns as people have found looking after a dog more of a burden than they had anticipated and abandoned their new pets.

If you are thinking of buying a puppy, did you know that if you buy through an unauthorised source, you could be funding organised crime?

Help to stop organised crime and cruelty to animals by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800555111 what you know. You’ll stay 100% anonymous.

For more information

UV Gel and L&P Nail Systems can cause allergic reactions and skin inflammation, if not applied correctly.

These issues aren’t just confined to your fingertips, problems can occur anywhere the nail gel comes into contact with your skin – even on the face.

To reduce the risk of developing an allergy, UV Gel nail treatments should only be administered by trained salon professionals using proper lamps.

🚨Some UV nail lamps sold online may not be suitable for the job they are advertised for and can lead to problems.

Find out more

Tesco is recalling Tesco Sandwich Pickle because it may contain pieces of glass.

Product Details
Pack size: 295g
Batch code: 3254
Best before: 11 September 2025

Advice to consumers
If you have bought this product do not eat it. Return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. More information.

Aldi recalls Ashfields Grill Chinese Pork Loin Steaks and BBQ Pork Loin Steaks because of incorrect use-by dates

Product details
Ashfields Grill Chinese Pork Loin Steaks
Pack size: 500g
Use by: 22 June 2024

Ashfields Grill BBQ Pork Loin Steaks
Pack size: 500g
Use by: 22 June 2024

Advice to consumers
If you have bought this product do not eat it. Instead, return them to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. More information

Looking for a great place to eat in Kent? The Food Standards Agency has the latest food recalls and an online food hygiene rating checker.

Get the latest food recalls

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE

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

Report to Citizens Advice

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

Watch Buying Safely Newscast Episodes

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