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KCC Scam Update

   

18 August 2023
Dear Kent Residents

This week we have received more reports of Facebook Marketplace, copycat website and investment scams. While they might seem similar scammers become more sophisticated with their attempts in the hopes of catching you off guard. Please continue to warn friends and family of the latest scams as they happen.

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

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Kent resident lost money to online copycat website scam

❌They were looking for the rail ticket company so they could claim a refund. The number they called was a premium rate number so the call cost significantly more
and they did not get their refund.

❎ Always make sure you are on the website you need
❎ Check the website address
❎ Get Safe online says some are using website tools to achieve high positions in search engines such as Google, often ranking them higher than the official site and making it appear as though they are ‘official’ or ‘authorised’.

Read more

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

Kent resident scammed with investment scam by phone

⛔ Resident made an investment trade and the trader on the phone said he would take care of the full trade for them. Resident debited over £1000 and paid a £43.34 transaction fee for the foreign exchange conversion. Three days later they received a call from the trader to say the trade had not gone well and they have lost all of their money.

🚨 There was no evidence to prove this was a genuine transaction.

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

Facebook Marketplace Delivery Insurance Scam

⛔ Kent resident sold an item on Facebook Marketplace and they buyer said he would send a DPD courier but needed £50 insurance in advance to cover this. Resident gave them their address and email address where they received a fake DPD email with link to send payment.

🚨 This is a scam.

When the resident realised this was a scam they refused to send the money. At this point the buyer became extremely abusive.

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

Action Fraud have confirmed reports of scammers calling victims claiming to be from BT and then as a representative of Action Fraud.

Action Fraud will only contact you to follow up if you have made an initial report, never out of the blue.

For more information and to report visit Action Fraud.

Iceland Foods recalls Cathedral City Cheese & Ham Gratin because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

Product details
Cathedral City Cheese & Ham Gratin
Pack size: 400g
Best before: 02 May 2024

Advice to 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 (with or without a receipt). For more information contact Iceland customer care on 0800 328 0800.

Full information here

Product Safety Report for Flat Iron Hair Straightener RD-216 presenting a serious risk of electric shock.

Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of electric shock as the shape of the plug can allow access to live parts.

Product information
Type: Electrical appliances and equipment – Hair Straightener
Model: RD-216
eBay Item Number: 144552209418
Country of Origin: China

More information here

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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