6 April 2023

Dear Kent Residents

With Spring not far away the doorstep criminals are increasing their activity, make sure you look out for family and friends who may be targeted. Warn them about how these criminals operate.

The more awareness we have the less likely we are to fall victim.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

KCC Trading Standards and Kent Police working with Tobacco Detection dogs Cooper and Bran from B.W.Y Canine Ltd seized over 242,000 cigarettes and 1,516 pouches of tobacco from 8 shops worth an estimated £76,000.

Counterfeit and illegal tobacco is linked to organised crime, brings anti social behaviour to your community and local shops lose business. It costs the UK taxpayer around £2.2 billion a year in lost tax revenue and also damages the trade of responsible retailers. Fake cigarettes have been found to contain up to six times the level of lead, five times the level of cadmium and three times the level of arsenic found in ordinary cigarettes.

Report 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

The Card Factory is recalling Happy Easter Egg Hunt bag because it contains milk, peanuts, and soya which are not listed in English on the label.

The product also states that it may contain cereals containing gluten, egg, and other nuts. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts, peanuts and/or soya, and/or an allergy or intolerance to cereals containing gluten, egg and/or milk or milk constituents.

For more information

HOLIDAY SCAM ALERT

As we approach holiday season scammers post fake properties with amazing photos on websites. They may offer a great price but pressure you to pay in full by bank transfer. Do not continue contact off the official listing websites.

Watch our video on How To Avoid Holiday Scams

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

AMAZON MEMBERSHIP SCAM

More reports of this scam. Automated calls saying your Amazon Prime membership has been cancelled and you owe £95. You are told to press 1 to make a payment. This is a scam.

Make sure you warn family and friends who may not be aware. The Cost Of Living makes us all more likely to fall for scams.

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

PARCEL DELIVERY SCAM

This scam has been around for a while, but not everyone will be aware! Scammers send a text message about an undelivered parcel and to rearrange delivery by providing your address, date of birth and bank details.

This is a scam. Legitimate delivery companies would have your name and address. Please warn friends and family who may not be aware.

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

Cost of Living Advice & Information

How to stay safe from criminals and the dangers of illicit tobacco, vapes and alcohol

In this episode, Jim Whiddett from Kent Trading Standards and Mark Rolf from Kent Scientific Services, warn us about the dangers of illicit tobacco, vapes and alcohol.

Watch More 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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KCC Scam Update