Keep Kent Safe - Latest Alerts

This week Trading Standards and Community Wardens have been out across North Kent speaking with residents on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from doorstep crime and scams.

Ultra Low Emission Zone Payment

A resident paid for the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London, but later received a letter with a fine for non payment.

Transport for London say make sure you only use the official TfL service when paying the Congestion Charge here

Unfortunately internet search engines do not always put the official Congestion Charge pages at the top of their search results. This means you may find yourself being offered one of many unofficial online payment sites or a scam site meaning you will have not paid.

There are similar scams for other online payment sites for things like the Dartford Crossing. Always make sure you are on the official site. Please warn friends and family.

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

Courier Fraud Alert!

Police Impersonation scam also know as Courier fraud has been targeting residents in East Kent, particularly Dover, Deal and Sandwich.

The recent reports followed a similar pattern to previous fraud alerts where a Kent resident had a call from Hammersmith Police saying their bank card had been used in John Lewis and the offender was in Police custody or their card had been cloned and someone apprehended.

The criminal is attempting to get you to hand over your card as evidence. Neither your bank or the police will ever call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone or offer to pick up your card by courier. Please warn family and friends.

Report to Kent Police on 101. For advice contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133.

Investment Scam

Kent resident targeted by investment scam

The Cost of Living has made us all nervous about our money and how far it will go. So getting an offer for a fantastic opportunity to invest and get great rewards can be tempting. But never respond to any cold call, whether by telephone email or social media.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) says ask yourself:

1. Am I comfortable with the level of risk? Can I afford to lose my money?
2. Do I understand the investment and could I get my money out easily?
3. Are my investments regulated?
4. Am I protected if the investment provider or my adviser goes out of business?

Used Car Scam

Resident bought a car online and paid a deposit via bank transfer with part exchange. When they didn't hear anything further they called scammer who said there was a delay with the truck delivering cars and it would be on a later date.

When the resident failed to receive any further updates they made enquiries to find the company owner who claimed his business name was being used by scammers.

Parcel Delivery

There have again been reports of parcel delivery scams. Many will be familiar with these but not everyone is.

With this scam you get a message, sometimes a text but there have been previous instances of it being a card in your letter box. The message states that they were unable to deliver a parcel to you and to rearrange deliver go to a website/click on a link.

This may be an attempt to steal your personal data, steal money by way of a delivery fee or to get you to download a malware or virus.

❎ Be cautious about clicking on links in a text or email.
❎ Always carry out your research.
❎ Check delivery notifications very carefully.
❎ Text messages may look very similar to genuine texts but may use generic greetings, such as Dear Sir/Madam, or include spelling errors.
❎ Always question claims that you are due goods or services that you haven't ordered or are unaware of, especially if you must pay any fees upfront.

Please warn family and friends.

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