Latest Scam Alerts
KEEP KENT SAFE
People assume that the victims of scams and Doorstep Crime are gullible, vulnerable, or less intelligent. But in many cases, the person who falls for a scam does so because of the psychological techniques employed by the scammer—and not because of some personal flaw. Being aware of the scams that are circulating can help keep you safe.
- If you receive a scam text or WhatsApp message, delete and don't respond. NEVER disclose any personal information such as 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.
HMRC Self-Assessment Scam
HMRC are warning residents about Self Assessment scams when returning their annual taxes.
Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text, and phone calls offering tax rebates or threatening arrest for tax evasion – HMRC would never contact you threatening arrest.
Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC in a suspicious way should check HMRC’s scams advice page
The tax return deadline for the 2021/22 tax year is 31/10/22 for those completed on paper forms, 31/01/23 for online returns.
Bitcoin Scams
Fraudsters are targeting Kent residents with Bitcoin scams, claiming your Bitcoin investment has made profit. However, to access these funds, you will need to invest more money.
Only use reputable companies when investing. Learn more from FCA Scam Smart.
The email will say there is an outstanding bill due on your tax and to scan the QR code within the email to pay the bill. However, the website is fake and is designed to steal your money and personal details
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.
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
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.
Contact Information
Trish Hamilton (Town Clerk)
- 01843 836182
- 01843 836182
Find Westgate-on-Sea Town Council
78 St Mildreds Road, Westgate-On-Sea, Kent, CT8 8RF
Additional Information
The email address for the Town Clerk is townclerk@westgateonsea.gov.uk