Public Protection - Keep Kent Safe Latest Alerts

ARTICLE ON LITHIUM BATTERY FIRE SAFETY

Lithium batteries are lightweight, rechargeable batteries, they power our phones, laptops and cameras. Many electrical devices from mobility scooters to e-scooters to e-cigarettes, use them, millions of people every day use them safely every day. But, there are some things you need to know when it comes to fire safety, chargers and batteries.

When they go wrong there can be catastrophic results similar to the recently reported house fire in Kent connected to an e-scooter. Whilst most battery devices are well manufactured, and in normal use do not present a high risk, lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous if they are:

• Dropped
• Damaged by being crushed, pierced.
• Exposed to heat

Kent Trading Standards advise to protect your device and battery from damage:

• Always follow the manufacturers instruction on how to care for your device.
• Only use the charging equipment supplied for your device, other charging cables may provide too high a charge and could damage the battery.
• If you need to replace a charger or cable buy manufacturer approved. Counterfeit or cheap aftermarket devices and cables may damage your battery.
• Never leave batteries / devices on charge overnight.
• Do not leave devices next to sources of heat for long periods of time.
• Never cover chargers or charging devices – e.g. using your laptop power lead in bed.

If you experience any of the following from your device, a popping noise, see smoke or gas, or smell a sweet chemical smell, then your battery is failing. You should evacuate the area / building and call the Fire Service immediately.

FACEBOOK SPONSORED AD FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SCAM

A Kent resident saw a sponsored ad for a piano on Facebook. It looked too good to be true, but the reviews were credible, so they purchased it via the advert.
Unfortunately, the receipt they received did not mention what they had purchased and it was from a different name. The email address also looked fake.
They never received the piano and are still seeing similar adverts on Facebook.

If you see something that you think is a scam, you should stop communicating with the buyer or seller immediately and report to Facebook.

If you want advice on a scam contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133

AIRBNB RENTAL SCAM

We've had a report from a resident who was looking at rental properties on Facebook Marketplace.

The resident messaged an advertiser about a 4 bedroom house to rent in Kent. It looked in immaculate condition and was a great price.
The scammer took the conversation off Facebook onto email where he said the property was rented via Airbnb. They were told they could not view the property as the landlord lives far away but all pictures were verified by Airbnb.

The scammer explained that Airbnb will be like the letting agent and they would have a 48-hour window to pay the money, view the house and if they didn't like it the they could get all the money back. He said AirBnb would give them a contract and any money will go through them.

This is a scam.

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

ARGOS SAFETY RECALL - LOL COSMETICS TIN

Argos recalls LOL Surprise UK Surprise Cosmetic toy over potential allergic reaction.

Sales period: February 1, 2021 to March 10, 2023
This product does not meet the requirements of The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

⚠️Hazard: The notice has been issued because Benzyl Benzoate 120-51-4 which is an antimicrobial, perfuming & solvent ingredient & CI 15865 3564-21-4 / 5280-66-0 which is a colorant ingredient are not indicated on the ingredients list for batch 1F01. No other batches are affected.

If you are in possession of this product and you have an allergy or intolerance to Benzyl Benzoate 120-51-4, please immediately stop using the product and return it to your local Argos store for a full refund. Please see the Argos recall website.