Latest alerts from Kent Trading Standards
22 August 2025
Dear Kent Residents

We have received recent reports of Doorstep Criminals active in Gravesend and Maidstone.

🚨Never respond to cold callers! You will pay a high cost for unnecessary and poor-quality work.
✅Please warn your vulnerable friends and family to be alert.
✅If you need work done on your home or garden use a safe, local trader from KCC Trading Standards Checked
✅Report cold callers to Kent Police

You can also report it to the charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. You’ll stay 100% anonymous, always.

☎️ For advice Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133.

For scam alerts as they are issued please add us on Instagram or Facebook.
Thank you.
Mark Rolfe
Head Community Protection

⚠️ Kent residents targeted by a Winter Fuel Payment scam.

❌ The messages claim to be from DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) and promise a £300 payment will be deposited into your bank account if you click the link provided to submit your application.

The link directs you to a realistic website under the control of the criminals, where they will look to steal your personal and financial data.

❌ The DWP never send text messages or emails asking for your bank details for Winter Fuel Payment purposes.

If you receive a scam message:
✅ Do not click any links.
✅ Do not reply to the message.
✅ Do not share personal or payment details.

📞 If you think you have been a victim of any type of scam, contact your bank immediately by calling 159 and report it the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

⚠️ Kent resident targeted by a car import scam.

The resident purchased a car online for a set price including shipping and clearance. The seller claimed the car was in a UK port, but it wasn’t, and proceeded to ask for more money.

This is a scam.

🔴Be very careful when buying online. Always do your research on a company and make sure they are who they say they are.

☎️ For advice contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133.

⚠️ Suspicious ‘Closing Down Sale’ Ads on social media.

We’ve had reports from Kent residents of adverts claiming to be from UK shops “closing down” to lure buyers with big discounts. These ads often look convincing, but the products can be poor quality, not as described, and refunds are hard to get.

✅ Stay alert when shopping online!
✅ Be cautious of “closing down” claims.
✅ Check seller details and reviews before buying.

☎️ Report any potential scam ads to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

⚠️ Tesco Kind & Pure Facial Cleansing Wipes presenting a serious microbiological risk.

🔴Product Details
Brand: Tesco
Product names: Kind & Pure 25 Facial Cleansing Wipes 163g, Kind & Pure Radiant Facial Cleansing Wipes Vitamin C 25 Pack 159g
Affected batch codes: 5128723, 5129723, 5130723, 5123723, 5144723, 5145723, 5146723, 5163723, 5164723, 5168723, 5169723, 5188723, 5176715, 5177715, 5187723, 5186723, 5188723, 5154715, 5155715, 5156715

✅Advice for consumers
The products have been recalled from end users by Tesco. If you have purchased an affected product, please do not use it. Return your product to any Tesco store for a full refund. No receipt is required.

➡️ More information

⚠️ Waitrose recalls Waitrose & Partners Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta because of undeclared mustard.

This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard.

🔴Product Details
Pack size: 375g
Use by: 27 August 2025

✅Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product and have an allergy to mustard, do not eat it. Instead return it to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.

➡️ More information

⚠️ Erborian Centella Cream 50ml and 20ml presenting a microbiological risk.

🔴Product Details
Brand: Erborian
Batch numbers: KM06343 and KM07343 (20ml), KM05363 and KM06363 (50ml)
SKUs: 6AA20068 (20ml), 6AA20067 (50ml)

✅Advice for consumers
The product has been recalled from end users and withdrawn from the market. Consumers are advised to cease use of the product immediately and contact ukcustomerservices@erborian.com for further information.

➡️ More information
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
Looking for a great place to eat in Kent? The Food Standards Agency has the latest food recalls and an online food hygiene rating checker.
Get the latest food recalls

SPEAK UP. STAY SAFE

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

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

Please share with your community
Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
Share by Email Share by Email

Follow Public Protection on Social Media
          
Accessibility by WAH