This week we have had reports of cold callers targeting sheltered housing accommodation in Maidstone with high-pressured selling tactics. Our advice is to always say no to cold callers. Report cold callers to Crimestoppers. If you feel threatened, call 999.
Please continue to warn and inform friends and family.
For the latest scam alerts as we receive them please follow us on Facebook or Instagram
Kind regards
Victim Safeguarding Officer
We have received reports of cold callers active in Maidstone.
They have targeted residents in sheltered accommodation where one person was subjected to high pressure selling tactics and spent over £70.
🔴 Never deal with traders at the door, always say no to cold callers, whether at the door or on the telephone.
The Cost of Living has made us all nervous about our money and how far it will go. So getting an offer for a fantastic opportunity to invest and get great rewards can be tempting. But never respond to any cold call, whether by telephone email or social media.
The Financial Conduct Authority says ask yourself:
1. Am I comfortable with the level of risk? Can I afford to lose my money?
2. Do I understand the investment and could I get my money out easily?
3. Are my investments regulated?
4. Am I protected if the investment provider or my adviser goes out of business?
Having bought from the business before they felt confident buying again online, however the purchase showed in their banking app in dollars and the name was not the shop they thought they had purchased from. It was only then they realised it was not an official website but a scam site.
🚨 Always double-check when buying online
Some scam sites rank higher in search results than official sites, which makes them look more ‘authorised’
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.
❎ Remember if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.
Bluetongue confirmed in four cows located at premises within the 10km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) near Canterbury on 25 November 2023.
The 10km TCZ remains in place to minimise the spread of disease while officials from the Animal and Plant Health Agency undertake further investigations to determine if there has been any local spread.
“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 during lockdown. Sadly they’re also profiting from a surplus of abandoned dogs as people have found looking after their new pets more of a burden than they had anticipated.
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?
Did you know that fake toys often create toxic chemicals?
One of the most common toxic metals found in fake toys is lead. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children, as their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead’s harmful effects.
Fake toys are also made with low-quality materials which often contain loose parts or sharp edges. Giving fake toys to children could have serious consequences, and could lead to choking, burns, damage to hearing, or even strangulation.
Always buy toys from a reputable retailer. If you have information about fake products, you can tell CrimeStoppers what you know.
The government is investigating reports that growing numbers of people are developing life-changing allergies to some gel nail products.
Although most gel polish manicures are safe and result in no problems, the British Association of Dermatologists is warning that the methacrylate chemicals – found in gel and acrylic nails – can cause allergic reactions in some people.
It often occurs when gels and polishes are applied at home, or by untrained technicians. Dermatologists say they are treating people for allergic reactions to acrylic and gel nails “most weeks”.
The government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards confirmed it was investigating and said the first point of contact for anyone developing an allergy after using a polish is their local Trading Standards department who can be contacted via Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline.
Tesco is recalling Growers Harvest Garden Peas because of possible contamination with an unknown type of berry, which may make this product unsafe to eat.
Best before: January 2025
Batch code: 23196, 23197, 23198, 23199, 23200
Best before: February 2025
Batch code: 23237, 23238, 23239, 23240
Best before: March 2025
Batch code: 23256, 23257, 23258, 23259, 23260, 26261
Best before: April 2025
Batch code: 23275, 23276, 23277
Advice to consumers
If you have bought any of the above product do not eat. Return to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. No receipt is required. For further details, please contact Tesco Customer Services directly on 0800 505 555.
Lidl is recalling Braemoor 2 Duck Breast Fillets with Plum, Soy and Ginger Sauce Sachet and Braemoor 2 Duck Breast Fillets, Skin on and Boneless because salmonella has been found in the products.
🔴 Product details
Braemoor 2 Duck Breast Fillets with Plum, Soy and Ginger Sauce Sachet
Pack size: 400g
Best before: 21 August 2024
Braemoor 2 Duck Breast Fillets, Skin on and Boneless
Pack size: 400g
Best before: 31 August 2024
Advice to consumers
If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store where they were bought for a full refund. For further information contact Lidl Customer Care on 0203 966 5566 or email customer.care@lidl.co.uk.
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
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