Kent Trading Standards are warning residents about telephone scams trying to steal your money! Members of the public have reported incidents where a caller pretends to be from the council, telling them they are entitled to a refund of around £7,000. The caller asks for bank details so they can put the money straight into your bank account. The scam works by the caller then attempting to take money out of your bank account. A telephone number is provided so people can call back, but a message asks for your details and states that someone will return your call.
A similar scam is known to operate with the caller claiming to be from the HMRC.
Councils and the HMRC do not operate this way. Under no circumstances should anyone give any details of either their bank account or debit or credit cards. Don't be fooled if the caller knows the council tax band of the property you reside in, this information can easily be found publically on the internet. If possible, make a note of as much information as you can, end the call and report the incident. Scams may be reported to us via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 who will also be able to provide further advice.
Scams are often reported by a victim's family member, when the victim is vulnerable or elderly. Therefore please share the advice in this message with any vulnerable or elderly people you care for.
Kent Trading Standards advise consumers to be wary when purchasing electrical items from the internet as we have recently received an alarming report from a consumer who purchased a Notebook AC adaptor from an eBay trader based in China.
The charger caught alight setting fire to her child's dressing gown. Fortunately the child was not hurt.
All goods supplied across the EU are required to be safe, are subject to strict safety controls and will be CE marked.
Goods purchased directly from China via eBay may not have been subject to these tests.
Kent Trading Standards would always recommend that consumers purchase electrical goods from a reputable source and ensure that the price alone is not the only consideration when purchasing such items.
To report any concerns you have regarding unsafe products call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. You can also visit
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
The VAT increase this month from 17.5 to 20% has been headline news and Trading Standards would like to tell people of the requirements to make purchasers aware of the price being charged for goods and services.
Businesses have a month to ensure that their price indications to consumers (e.g. shelf labels) include the increase in VAT, but in the meantime should use general notices to explain that the price increase as a result of the additional VAT will be charged in addition to the price shown.
If you feel that you have been misled as to the price being charged for goods and services, especially as a result of the change to VAT please report any concerns to us via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or go to
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.