Public Protection - Keep Kent Safe Latest Alerts

HOME FUSE BOX SCAM

⛔ A resident had a phone call from a business offering to check their homes fuse box. The scammer said a new law required all fuse boxes over 5 years old to be checked. He offered to arrange a time to visit the resident.

It appears to be an attempt to gain access to the home or trick the resident into paying for unnecessary work. Be wary of any cold callers whether on the phone or at your door, just say No! Please warn friends and family.

If you need work carried out on your home use a safe trader by contacting Trading Standards Checked

For advice and to report contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

CARD DELIVERY SCAM

⛔ Be on the lookout for FAKE emails informing you about an undelivered

bank or credit card. The email states that the recipient has a bank or credit card waiting to be delivered to them and provides an email address to contact and arrange delivery. The contact information in the emails do not belong to the legitimate banks or credit card providers and is criminals trying to steal your personal/financial data and your money.

If you receive a suspicious email then forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk

INVESTMENT SCAM

Kent residents targeted by Investment and Cryptoasset scams We have received multiple complaints about this type of fraud. The criminals will make plausible claims about the investment.

❌ They will help you set up an online account
❌ They will ask for proof of i.d. and address
❌ They will show you how well your investment is doing
❌ They phone you to encourage you to invest more

The Financial Conduct Authority warns cryptoassets, like Bitcoin and Ether (also known as cryptocurrencies), are not regulated in the UK. They have previously issued consumer warnings on the risks of investing in cryptocurrency Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and Initial Coin Offerings.

Read more from Financial Conduct Authority.

Be wary of adverts online and on social media promising high returns on investments in cryptoasset or cryptoasset-related products. If you're contacted unexpectedly by a financial business or individual, make sure you reply using the contact details on the FS Register.

USED CAR SCAM

⛔ Kent resident saw an advert on Facebook Marketplace selling a car for a reduced price. They contacted the seller who told them that the car was with a shipping agent and that all the documents were with them and that they were dealing with the sale.

After the resident did some research they couldn't find any reviews or a correct telephone number for the company which only had a website which looked fraudulent. Further checks for MOT found that the images were from a previous advert and these were old images.

Contact Citizens Advice on consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

ASDA RECALLS OMV! MAC 'N' NO CHEESE

❌ It may contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

Affected use by dates
1 June 2023
2 June 2023 and
3 June 2023.

❎ If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund. For more information, please contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.

ETSY RECALLS FAST CHARGE USB-C PLUG

USB-C plug 20W replacement charger sold via Etsy presenting a serious risk of electric shock.

❌ The product presents a serious risk of electric shock as it is not structurally sound and has insufficient creepage and clearance distances.

Model Number: SP-TC78A
Etsy listing number: 1057216877

❎ The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Etsy).

We strongly advise that consumers stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.