10 February 2023

Dear Kent Residents

We have received many reports of scams targeting Kent residents this week. Knowing what scams, doorstep criminals or unsafe goods are on the market can help keep you safe.

Make sure you tell friends, relatives and neighbours. The more informed we become the less vulnerable we are to these criminals. Stay safe!

Kind regards

Victim Safeguarding Officer

Kent resident targeted by scam website
Wanting to change the address on their diving licence they searched online Using a website they thought was DVLA, they completed the form, made the payment and posted their old driving licence.

When they did not receive the new updated licence they called DVLA who had no trace They realised they had used a scam website, lost their money and their driving licence, leaving them to be targeted by identity theft.

To renew or amend your driving licence visit gov.uk

It’s free to update your address, unless you want to also submit a new photograph. You can change your address by post or online.
Be aware that if you fail to notify the DVLA when your address changes, you could face fines of up to £1,000.

Report or for advice call Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133.

Sevenoaks residents have been targeted by Doorstep Criminals. The scammers claim their roof needed urgent work and subsequently took many thousands of pounds from the couple including their lifetime savings. This work was not only unnecessary but also of very poor quality and vastly overpriced.

Never respond to cold callers. You can report them to Kent Police on 101. If they refuse to leave or are aggressive dial 999.

You can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you need work on you home always use a safe trader from Trading Standards Checked https://tschecked.kent.gov.uk/

Warn family and friend, look out for neighbours who may be targeted.

The Household Support Fund helps vulnerable Kent households with rising living costs.

We are aware that scams are targeting residents.
The Household Support Fund does NOT ask for your bank details.
They will NEVER ask for financial information nor any payment.

This scheme will NEVER cold call
The support given is a Post Office cash-out voucher

The Cost of Living Crisis has made us all vulnerable to scams, be wary, think twice, never give out financial information to cold callers.

Check eligibility for the Support Fund and apply here: Household Support Fund – Kent County Council

Report and Advice contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/cost-of-living-support/urgent-financial-help-and-extra-support

Cost of Living Advice & Information

How To Avoid Romance Scams from Kent Police

Romance scams are on the rise. Sophie Day joins Kent County Council from Kent Police to talk about how to avoid fraudsters using romance scams to target people in Kent during the cost of living crisis in 2023. Romance scams in the UK are becoming more prevalent due to technology. In this newscast we expose the key traits of a scammer and how to avoid falling victim on online dating apps.

Watch More Newscast Episodes

If you have information on doorstep criminals, counterfeit, fake or illegal goods, illicit tobacco, loan sharks or those selling restricted items to underage kids, call the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111

Report to Crimestoppers

To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline on
0808 223 1133.

Report to Citizens Advice

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE

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.

Visit Trading Standards Checked

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