Cookies

We use essential cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. These will be set only if you accept.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our cookies page.

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. For example, the selections you make here about which cookies to accept are stored in a cookie.

You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics Cookies

We'd like to set Google Analytics cookies to help us improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify you.

Third Party Cookies

Third party cookies are ones planted by other websites while using this site. This may occur (for example) where a Twitter or Facebook feed is embedded with a page. Selecting to turn these off will hide such content.

Skip to main content

Scams targeting Kent Residents

By Gill Gray (Town Clerk/RFO) Westgate-on-Sea Town Council

Tuesday, 6 September 2022

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Westgate-on-Sea Town Council Contributor

VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR

Fraudsters often target those who are elderly or vulnerable, but we have seen a rise in scams affecting people in all groups. Please stay alert and be aware of the scams below.

  • Kent residents are being targeted by a HMRC Tax Credit scam. Residents are receiving emails claiming to be from HMRC and asking them to provide proof of identity, such as your passport or driving licence. This is a scam.
  • Courier fraud involves a scammer impersonating a police officer or banking official to steal your money and personal information. The scammers scare victims with threats of arrests or causing problems with getting the money back if they tell anyone or won’t co-operate.
  • With the World Cup starting in three months’ time, Kent residents are being urged to be wary of potential scams. We have seen reports of residents receiving fraudulent letters claiming they have won thousands of pounds associated to a FIFA lottery. The scammers send instructions on how to claim your prize, which involves giving your personal information and the criminals ask for an upfront ‘processing fee’.
  • Kent residents targeted by scammers pretending to be Citizens Advice.
    You get a call from someone saying they are from Citizens Advice, asking for details and payments to be made.
    This is a scam
  • We have had reports of users selling items on Facebook Marketplace and the buyer asking for proof of postage via WhatsApp before payment will be made.
    A demand is then made that the payment won't be released unless a fee is paid.
    Be cautious when selling online


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

DIRECTIONS

Additional Information

The email address for the Town Clerk is [email protected]