Latest alerts affecting Kent residents - from KCC Public Protection

Latest Scam Alerts This Week 

Dear Kent Residents,  As the Cost of Living Crisis continues, many scammers are taking advantage vulnerable residents.  Be extremely alert to any scams that may target you. Follow our guidance on what to do and how to stay safe. ⛔ If you are suspicious about a scam phone call, text or email - do not respond.  ⛔Never disclose any personal information including bank details, no matter who the person claims to be. ⛔Reputable traders and contractors do not cold-call for business and they will NEVER ask you to go to the bank or cash point.        Beware of an electricity scam targeting Kent residents! Scammers are pretending to be from the Government, telling you that you can claim credit towards your electricity bill. They will send you a link to a fake website, which will ask you for details about your electricity and your bank card. However, you will later be contacted by scammers pretending to be from your bank. They will claim there is fraud on your account. Be wary of your bank calling you and telling you there is suspicious activity on your account. If you receive a call like this - Stop, hang up and call 159 to speak directly with your bank.

Kent Police have reported courier fraudsters targeting residents, pretending to be a Police Officer. They claimed they arrested someone in possession of their bank card and asked the resident to co-operate with the investigation by withdrawing money which will then be collected by a courier. Unsuspecting victims hand over the money with the promise that the money will be reimbursed later - however there is no further contact and the money is never seen again. The Police will never ask you to withdraw cash to hand over to a courier. If you get a call like this, call the Police on 101 or dial 999 if they are due to come to your house. Kent Police have reported this variation of the WhatsApp Family Emergency scam targeting residents. Similar to the WhatsApp scam, scammers will pretend to be a family member - telling you that their phone is broken or run out of battery. They will lead you to believe they are genuine before asking for payment towards a new phone. This scam is becoming more realistic as they impersonate family members. If you receive this text, think twice before replying. Report scam texts to 7726 and then delete.

GET FREE ADVICE FROM CITIZENS ADVICE   REPORT SCAMS TO ACTION FRAUD   ACTION FRAUD: 0300 123 2040 CITIZENS ADVICE: 0808 223 1133     Spoofing It can be difficult to tell the difference between a scam text and one that’s legitimate. Criminals use a technique called “spoofing” to make it look like you’re being contacted by a genuine organisation. Avoid clicking on links, and instead log in to your accounts to update your information or to make payments that may be due. You should report scam texts to your network provider by forwarding them to 7726, which spells out the word ‘SPAM’ on your keypad.     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