As the number of scams continues to increase, here is a 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 the guidance from Kent Trading Standards.
Kent Trading Standards
Remember, 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.
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 Action Fraud is warning of a rise in scam emails pretending to be from Ofgem offering a rebate payment on your gas and electricity bills. The email is titled “Claim your bill rebate now” You are told to click on a link The link will take you to a malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information This is a scam! Rebates will be applied automatically – you do not need to register! Remember, your bank or any other official source will never ask you to supply personal information via email. If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. |
 A victim has been receiving calls from ‘Storage Solutions’ claiming that Trading Standards have been in contact with them about the transfer of the victim’s wine stocks. The victim did have some wine stored with a company, but not this one. Storage Solutions said the wine had to be moved in order to be sold but the victim has no contract with this company. The fraudster is using Trading Standards to sound more legitimate. They asked for a £3,000 deposit for their services up-front.  Kent residents are being targeted by a WhatsApp scam. Residents are being contacted by someone impersonating a family member who requires help as they claim that their phone has broken. The scammer claims to be the victim’s son/daughter and asks the victim to help them urgently to send a sum of money (£2,600 in one case) to an account number. Scammers are using this underhand tactic to con unsuspecting parents. |
GET FREE ADVICE FROM CITIZENS ADVICE REPORT SCAMS TO ACTION FRAUD ACTION FRAUD: 0300 123 2040 CITIZENS ADVICE: 0808 223 1133  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. |