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Woodnesborough Parish Council > News > Community > KCC Scams Update

KCC Scams Update

Published on
13 September 2023
Dear Kent Residents,

Following the recent cyber attack on the Electoral Commission we are urging residents to be aware and cautious of any attempt to scam you.

Whilst the personal data held on the electoral register does not in itself present a high risk, the information was name and address, used with other data that is in the public domain, such as on social media platforms, could be used to identify or profile individuals. You should remain vigilant.

Data breaches: guidance for individuals and families visit National Cyber Security Centre –  How to protect yourself from the impact of data breaches

If you receive a message or phone call about a security breach that doesn’t feel right, here’s what to do:

Cyber Aware – Advice on how to stay secure online from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre
Two steps to protect your email:

  • Use a strong and different password for your email using 3 random words
  • Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email

Read the full information – Public notification of cyber-attack on Electoral Commission systems | Electoral Commission
For the latest scams alerts as we receive them please add us on Instagram or Facebook.

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer
⚠️ Dartford resident targeted by bogus gas company official

The caller said he needed to upgrade the residents gas meter
They had a hi-vis jacket and wearing a lanyard
The resident booked an appointment
They later checked with their gas company who said it wasn’t them

When a meter reader or installer visits your home, always verify their identity. They should carry visible identification such as a badge and often wear the uniform of your supplier.

Contact your supplier on a number you know is genuine, if they are a criminal they will tell you a number to call that isn’t genuine.

Many suppliers give you the option to agree on a password (that is valid both in person and on phone calls) for additional security for you.

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

Look out for friends and neighbours

⚠️ Scam Christmas Fair targeting Kent Residents

⛔ Often posted on Facebook, it is an invitation to stallholders to book a place. Once the money is taken they post disappears leaving the stallholder out of pocket.

🚨 This is a scam.

The #CostOfLiving means many want to make a little more money by selling homemade crafts, but before paying money ensure they are genuine, check with the venue.

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

Sign up to receive email alerts about doorstep criminals, scams, major incidents and more from Kent County Council public protection services: https://loom.ly/FmUMgIE

⚠️ Scam Wilko sale targets Kent resident

⛔ After purchasing items from the Wilko closing down sale on Facebook, they realised it was a scam when they did not get a confirmation email.

Scammers love to use events in the news to target you with their fraud.

The best way to ensure you do not fall victim to this particular scam is to not buy anything from sites purporting to be Wilko online, as Wilko is no longer offering online sales.

Always check the website URL when shopping online.

Copycat websites often have similar URLs to the legitimate sites, but with very slight differences.

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

Sign up to receive email alerts about doorstep criminals, scams, major incidents and more from Kent County Council public protection services: https://loom.ly/FmUMgIE
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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You can view our Privacy Notice at any time. It explains what personal data we hold about you, how we collect the data and how we may use and share information about you. We are required to give this information under the data protection law.

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