Kent County Council has released an ‘alert list’ of the latest scams doing the rounds across the county.
As the number of scams continues to increase, here is our regular round-up of the latest scams reported by Kent residents.
Anyone can be a victim of a scam – It is important to stay alert and follow our guidance.
Reputable traders and contractors do not cold-call for business and they will NEVER ask you to go to the bank or cash point.
If you receive a scam phone call, hang up and don’t return their calls. NEVER disclose any personal information such as bank details, no matter who the person claims to be.
The potential victim received a phone call claiming to be from the Criminal Court in Birmingham on behalf of HMRC. They were told that they were being investigated and an arrest warrant was issued for their arrest. The victim was asked to pay what supposedly was owed to HMRC or face going to court and prison. This is a scam!
We have had a report of a Kent resident who was scammed by Provisional Driving Licence application fraud.
When applying for a driving licence, always complete the application on the GOV.UK website. This should only cost £34!
We have received a report from a Kent resident who answered the door to a fraudster pretending to be a Trading Standards Officer. The doorstep criminal claimed that the resident owed £24,000. Fortunately, the resident was alert to doorstep criminals and reported it immediately. This is doorstep crime!
Never keep your bank card with your phone!
The BBC offers great advice about how to protect yourself following a spate of thefts from gym lockers in London.
The thief steals your phone and bank card, and can then access your bank account once they get an access code from your bank via your phone
GET FREE ADVICE FROM CITIZENS ADVICE
ACTION FRAUD: 0300 123 2040
CITIZENS ADVICE: 0808 223 1133
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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.
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