News

KCC Fraud update

   

8 March 2024
Dear Kent Residents

We have received more reports from Kent Police that courier fraud criminals are targeting residents across West Kent. To understand how courier fraud works watch this video.

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

Please continue to share our alert messages with your friends, family and community.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Kent Police have received numerous reports of Courier Fraud in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, West Malling, Dartford and West Kent

❌ 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.

Watch ‘Courier Fraud Warning: Stay Wise, Don’t Compromise

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.

Are you looking for a new property to rent in Kent? Don’t get caught in a rent scam on social media.

🎥 Watch our newscast Renting In The UK – Know Your Rights As A Tenant.

For advice on housing visit the Shelter website who can advise on:
– Homelessness
– Private renting
– Eviction
– Tenancy deposits
– Repairs
– Benefits and money problems
– Council housing
– Mortgage repossession

To report renting scams or for advice contact Citizens Advice 0808 223 113.

Kent residents to be aware when using ATM cash machines due to the rise in shoulder surfing scams.

⛔ Kent Police have received multiple reports of shoulder surfing at ATM’s in the Gravesend area. Criminals watch you input your PIN into the ATM machine and then follow you in attempts to steal your bank card.

Always shield your hand when typing in your PIN number, even if you are using an ATM inside the branch.

More information

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

Have you got a friend, family member, or client who could do with a bit of help staying safe at home?

If they don’t have access to the Internet, why not help them with Teacher in your Pocket!

Teacher in your pocket allows anyone with a smartphone to provide expert advice and valuable tips. Simply play them one of the short videos on our mobile website. It’s an easy way to point out potential dangers and chat about the recommended safety measures.

In the UK millions of people are exposed to the risk of fire or electric shock due to unsafe products. The risk is even greater for those we can’t reach to warn of the dangers.

Why not help them by using ‘Teacher in your Pocket’.

Discover more about Teacher in your Pocket
Dog owners in Kent are being urged to keep control of their pets in the countryside following a rise in attacks on sheep.

As the lambing season gets under way, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Kent Police and Kent Trading Standards are working together to urge pet owners to obey the Countryside Code and ensure their dogs are kept under control.

Read more

Product Recall for Cuqoo Home Double Electric Blanket sold via Amazon as it is presenting a high risk of electric shock.

🔴Product details
Type: Electrical appliances and equipment – Double electric blanket
Barcode: 5059059127645
SKU: DYN12993
Batch: 44859

More information

Urgent food recall for Patak’s Aubergine Pickle because it may contain pieces of glass

🔴Product details
Patak’s Aubergine Pickle
Pack size: 312g
Batch code: 3172
Best before: June 2026

Advice for consumers
If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. For more information contact AB World Foods customer care team on 0800 0195 617 or consumer.services@abworldfoods.com.

More information

Looking for a great place to eat this weekend? 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

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