Latest Scam Alerts 22.12.23
The latest scam alerts from Trading Standards
Latest alerts from Kent Trading Standards 22.12.23For information on fraud alerts
Latest Scam Alerts
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Keep Kent Safe – Latest Alerts
DOORSTEP CRIMINALS TARGET CANTERBURY RESIDENT
- They called at the door to say they were working nearby and apologise for the noise being made (this turn out to be untrue).
- They offered to do work for the residents and showed them a business card with a logo from a trader scheme (this turn out to be false).
- The homeowner felt reassured and agreed to work including lopping several trees. This was their feedback on the work done: “It was amateur at best without any safety equipment used. The trees will probably need to be felled as they have been butchered by this bogus firm. We have been left out of pocket”
- NEVER agree to have work done by cold callers.
- ALWAY check any membership they claim to have.
If you need work done on your home or garden, take the time to find a safe trader, use Trading Standards Checked
Report doorstep criminals to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously Get advice from Citizens Advice consumer helpline
IKEA RECALL BLAVINGAD FISHING GAME
The product presents a risk of choking as there have been reports of small metal rivets detaching from the game.
Customers who own the game should stop using it and return it to an IKEA store for a full refund. For further information, please access the IKEA website
HAJJ SCAM
Every year thousands of UK Muslims celebrate Hajj by making the pilgrimage to Mecca: an expensive trip. Unfortunately, many who have paid for a tour package for themselves and their family have had their dreams shattered by fraudsters.
Some arrive in Saudi Arabia to find the accommodation they booked doesn’t exist. Others discover that their whole trip is a scam set up by illegitimate travel operators, who have disappeared with thousands of pounds of their money. Read advice from City of London Police.
“Hi mum I’ve broken my phone… SCAM
This scam is doing the rounds again via Text and Whatsapp. Residents are being contacted by someone impersonating a family member who claims to need help. They say their phone has broken and that’s why they are messaging from a different number. They go on to tell a sob story and say they urgently need money. You may be aware of this scam but many others are not. Please alert friends and family.
Report scams and get advice from Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Latest Scam Alerts
KCC Community Wardens have been alerted to an increase in Telephone Scams. Please be aware that not everyone is who they say they are!
Please do not give your personal or banking details to anyone who calls you on the telephone.
SPRAY FOAM INSULTATION SCAM
Fraudulent businesses are using high pressure sales to persuade people to buy spray foam insulation products that are not fit for purpose. Some foam types will reduce the ventilation in your roof causing condensation and potentially decaying the roof timbers. Condensation affects the structure of your home and can make it difficult to sell or get a mortgage.
Foam spray can be costly to remove and deceitful companies are targeting homeowners offering to remove insulation and charging excessive fees for what may be unnecessary work.
If you are targeted by cold callers offering deals on insulation, say no! Do your research and ask for advice, never be pressured into making a decision.
Read more from House of Commons Library “Spray foam insulation and mortgages”
Read more about loft insulation from Energy Saving Trust
For advice or to report contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133
ROOFING SCAMMERS IN WESTGATE
We have reports of cold callers going door to door offering roofing work in Ramsgate. They demand same-day payment.
⛔ Never respond to cold callers. You will pay large amounts for unnecessary and poor-quality work ⛔
Report cold callers to the charity CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 100% anonymously.
If they refuse to leave or are aggressive call 999
ELECTRIC SCOOTER RECALL
Black, Red and Grey Electric Scooter with Charger is presenting a Risk of fire / explosion / electric shock.
This product has been recalled as it presents a risk of electric shock, fire, explosion and injuries due to the poor quality charger and poor external build quality on the scooter Read more from Office for Product Safety and Standards
For advice or to report unsafe goods contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133
BIRD FLU UPDATE
Mandatory housing measures were lifted on Tuesday 18th April but scrupulous standards of biosecurity remain essential says DEFRA.
Read more from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Members of the public are reminded not to touch dead wild birds and are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).
GOVERNMENT ALERT TRIAL – THIS SUNDAY AT 3PM
The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live and on Sunday 23 April at 3pm you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound.
The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.
Visit the government website for more information.
To find out how to opt out of receiving emergency alerts click here