Latest Scams and frauds

Published: 18 May 2021

New Census Scam From our colleagues at KCC Public Protect

Kent residents are being targeted by a text scam, pretending to be from the UK Government Census 2021. The text will say that information is missing from your application.

How it works –

• You receive a text message pretending to be from UK Government Census.

• The text will say that information is missing from your application.

You will be directed to a website to update your details to avoid a £1,000 penalty.

• This is a SCAM 

• If you believe you have fallen victim to this, then contact your Bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. • Additionally, you get assistance or advice by speaking to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

 The following is an alert from Ofcom

 Scam alert – Be aware of the below text message scam that infects Android mobile phones with malicious software (malware), which is targeting people in the UK

"DHL: Your parcel is arriving, track here: http://   (followed by link)"

If you click on the link contained in the text message, then the malware will attempt to infect Android based Smartphones (it won’t infect iOS but does redirect Apple users to a phishing site) with spyware, which hides in the background while snooping on all your sensitive data and credit card details. Additionally, it will send out spam infected messages to all your contacts. 

 If your phone becomes infected, then it is recommended that you contact your mobile phone provider straight away.

iTunes Phishing Scam

Residents have been receiving a new iTunes phishing email which states that there has been a purchase on your account and if not you, to press a cancellation link. If you click the link, it will take you to a convincing website, where they steal your details.

If you get one of these, please do not click on the link and forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam, then contact your Bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040

To see more details on all of these scams, and printed examples of the text messages/emails concerned see the Kent Fraud Alert newsletter.