Latest alerts from Kent Trading Standards

16 January 2026

Dear Kent Residents

Kent Trading Standards has now successfully prosecuted serial fraudster Kevin George Woods, who has been jailed for two years.

The investigation uncovered a complex web of illegal activity involving fraudulent vehicle repair businesses.

Despite receiving detailed advice from Trading Standards prior to the prosecution, Woods continued trading under his wife’s name, showing blatant disregard for legal obligations.

Clive Phillips, Operations Manager at Kent Trading Standards, said: “These prosecutions demonstrate our commitment to protecting consumers from persistent and calculated fraud.”

➡️ Read the full press release here.

For scam alerts as they are issued please add us on Instagram or Facebook.

Thank you.

Mark Rolfe
Head of Community Protection

⚠️ Doorstep criminals active this week in Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham and Rochester.

🚨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.

⚠️ Residents have reported an increase in fake parking fine messages, usually sent by text.

❌ These messages often look convincing but always contain very little detail, usually not citing any vehicle registration, location or date and time of the alleged offence
❌ Many include a link to “pay the fine” — but it leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal and financial information.

The DVSA will NEVER send parking fine notifications like this. Always do your research if you receive something like this and never click any links.

➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline
Kent Police

⚠️ Acid attacks are on the rise – and the UK has more than any other country.

These attacks cause horrific injuries and trauma. We’re working with retailers to restrict access to corrosive substances – but we need your help too ⬇️

☎️ Report suspicious behaviour to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You’ll stay 100% anonymous, always.🚨If you feel threatened dial 999 to contact the police.

➡️Learn more

📣 Please share this message with your community.

⚠️ Primark Baby Bear and Balloon Soother Clips presenting a choking risk.

🔴Product Details
Brand: Primark
Kimball No’s: 80010 (balloon), 69489 (bear)
Sales period: June 2025 – August 2025 (bear) and March 2025 – September 2025 (balloon).

✅Advice for consumers
Do not use the products and return to place of purchase for a full refund.

➡️ More information

⚠️ Southern Arbor Electric Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle sold via TikTok Shop presenting a serious risk of fire.

🔴Product Details
Brand: Southern Arbor
Model: QM-01
Barcode: 69615846554
Serial / Batch Number: 54513127286

✅Advice for consumers
Do not use the product and contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.

➡️ More information

⚠️ Sainsbury’s recalls Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Redcurrant Honey & Rosemary Glaze because of undeclared milk.

This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

🔴Product Details
Pack size: 400g
Batch code: 8090642
Use by: 21 January 2026

✅Advice for consumers
Do not eat if you have a milk allergy or intolerance. Return to place of purchase for a full refund.

➡️ 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

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