Scam Updates

Published: 09 March 2021

We have heard form KCC Public Protection office of fraudsters trying to scam employees into buying gift cards, using their personal debit cards.

 What happens:

• You get an email claiming to be your company director.
• The email asks for your mobile number, your boss is busy & needs you to complete an urgent task.
• A message will be sent on WhatsApp, asking you to go local stores to purchase gift cards worth £100 each. They will reassure you that the payment will be repaid.

You will be asked to upload receipts onto WhatsApp & to delete the code.

What to do:

• This is a scam.
• Never provide any personal or financial information if you are in doubt.
• Call your boss on a trusted number to check if the request is genuine.
• Report any scams to Citizens Advice on 0808 250 5050.

Please warn vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.

Kent Fraud Alert System have issued guidance on recognising Phishing emails in their newsletter.

Also included in the newsletter are details of a scam in which HM Courts & Tribunals Service number is spoofed in HMRC impersonation Scam. This involves fraudulent calls and emails from scammers claiming to be HMRC. The calls may “mimic” or spoof a phone number from Royal Courts of Justice, in order to make you believe that the call is genuine.