News

Currently there seems to be a number of reports of either cold callers wanting to do guttering (Downs Road, Folkestone area), gardening/tree service - all over the area or telephone scams wanting your banking details to pay bills that have supposedly not been paid.

Please can I remind you of the Trading Standards' advice not to purchase on the doorstep - if someone offers you a service and you are not sure whether it is genuine please do not hesitate to call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for clear practical advice or email www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent

Remember never give your bank details or other personal information to people you don't know. Your bank will never ring and ask you for such details - they already have them!

Never send money to anyone who says you've won the lottery or a big prize - you will never see your promised winnings.

Never ring an 090 number unless you are certain how much the call will cost and know what you are likely to receive.

Do not be taken in with emails or letters that come from 'The Desk of .....' It is a scam.

Do not feel sorry for the duster sellers who tell you that they have been in trouble and are now atoning for their misdemeanours by working for the Probation Service or Court Service. No such schemes exists.

Please make sure that your elderly and vulnerable neighbours are aware of this information and don't forget the Nominated Neighbour scheme if you think this would help them.