Sharing the latest scam alerts and advice from Kent County Council Community Protection Team. Keeping Kent Safe. #KentTradingStandards
South East, England, Kent
Joined March 2014
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#AllergyAlert ⚠️ THIS™ recalls THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Deli Pieces because of undeclared soya and wheat (gluten).
This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to soya and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease.
🔴 Product details
Pack size: 120g
Use by: 29, 30, 31 January
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 February
✅ Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product and have allergy to soya and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease, do not eat it. Instead return it to place of purchase for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/ZFYS_OE
ALT “Recall alert for THIS Isn’t Chicken Deli Pieces due to undeclared soya and wheat, with a product photo and the Trading Standards logo.”
#TakeTheLead ⚠️ Dog owners in Kent are being urged to keep control of their pets in the countryside following a rise in attacks on sheep.
The National Farmers Union and Kent Trading Standards are working together to encourage pet owners to obey the Countryside Code and ensure their dogs are kept under control as lambing season gets under way.
➡️ Read the Countryside Code: explorekent.org/the-countrys…
ALT Yellow Labrador walking on lead.
#ScamAlert ⚠️ Residents have reported receiving a fake text message claiming to be from Halifax.
The message contains a one‑time passcode for a purchase at Argos. These types of messages are often linked to SIM‑swap scams, where fraudsters try to take control of your phone number to access your accounts.
🚨 If you receive a message about a bank you don’t use, or a passcode you didn’t request, delete it immediately.
🚨 Never share a one‑time passcode with anyone.
➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: loom.ly/5j18s4U
Kent Police: loom.ly/kg53yqQ
ALT “Scam alert graphic warning about a Halifax text scam, with a red flashing light icon and the Trading Standards logo.”
#ProductSafety ⚠️ A £13 TikTok Shop boot warmer has nearly destroyed a family home in Rochdale.
Kaela Rigg came back to find her house “billowing with smoke” after an electrical fire reportedly caused by the product she’d bought for her kids’ sports boots.
“Ten minutes later and my whole house would have fully burnt down. We are so lucky to be alive.”
The family’s garage was gutted, the whole house is smoke‑damaged and they now face at least 12 months living elsewhere. TikTok has removed the product while investigations continue.
Kaela is now urging others to rethink buying cheap electricals: “If sharing our story saves just one person, it’s worth it.”
➡️ Read more from the BBC: loom.ly/BMaGUYM
#AllergyAlert ⚠️ Lidl is recalling Red Hen Gastro 2 Southern Fried Chicken Thigh Burgers because it contains celery which is not emphasised (in bold) on the label.
This product contains celery making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to celery.
🔴 Product details
Pack size: 330g
Use by: All dates
✅ Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product and have an allergy or intolerance to celery, do not eat it. Instead return it to any Lidl store for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/IugA8V8
ALT “Recall alert for Lidl Gastro Chicken Thigh Burgers due to celery not being highlighted on the label, with a product photo and the Trading Standards logo.”
#FoodRecall ⚠️ Lidl GB recalls Snaktastic Multigrain Bites Sour Cream & Black Pepper because of the possible presence of foil.
🔴 Product details
Pack size: 150g (6x25g)
Batch code: 207 345
Best before: 04 April 2026
✅ Advice for consumers
If you have bought any of the product do not eat it. Instead, return it to a Lidl GB store for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/L55UMgE
ALT “Recall alert for Lidl Sour Cream Multigrain Bites due to possible presence of foil, with a photo of the product and the Trading Standards logo.”
#ScamAlert ⚠️ We have received reports of fake text messages impersonating mobile phone providers.
These messages claim they haven’t received your latest payment and ask you to click a link to update your details.
❌ If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a very convincing fake website controlled by criminals, designed to steal your personal and financial information.
❌ Your mobile phone company will NEVER ask you to click a link in a text to confirm a payment or update your details.
🚨We are all vulnerable to scams, be wary and warn others.
➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: loom.ly/5j18s4U
Kent Police: loom.ly/kg53yqQ
ALT “Scam alert graphic warning about a phone company text scam, with a red flashing light icon and the Trading Standards logo.”
#ProductRecall ⚠️ Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft presenting a health risk because it may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.
🔴Product Details
Brand: Hobbycraft
Product Number: 6686021000 (below the barcode on product packaging)
Product Description: Box of mixed craft supplies including vials of coloured sand.
✅Advice for consumers
Do not use the product and return to your nearest Hobbycraft for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/R6RLhJ8
ALT “Recall alert for Hobbycraft’s Giant Box of Craft due to possible asbestos, showing a photo of the craft box and barcode with the Trading Standards logo.”
#ScamAlert ⚠️ We’ve received a report about a TV Licence phone scam targeting residents.
One victim lost thousands of pounds after being contacted by someone claiming to be from the BBC warning about a fake issue with their TV Licence.
🚨The BBC and TV Licensing will not contact you by phone to demand payment or personal information.
🚨Be wary of unexpected calls, especially if you’re pressured to act quickly or make a payment.
🚨Never share bank details, passwords or one‑time codes with someone who contacts you out of the blue.
➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: loom.ly/5j18s4U
Kent Police: loom.ly/kg53yqQ
ALT Black warning graphic with the text “Latest Scam Alert – TV Licence Phone Scam” and an image of a red flashing warning light. Kent County Council Trading Standards logo at the bottom.
#AllergyAlert ⚠️ Tesco recalls Tesco Special Fried Rice because of undeclared wheat (gluten).
This product contains wheat making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or coeliac disease.
🔴 Product details
Pack size: 350g
Use by: 02 February 2026
✅ Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or coeliac disease, do not eat it. Instead return it to any Tesco store for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/RF9Anjw
ALT “Recall alert for Tesco Special Fried Rice due to undeclared wheat, with a photo of the product and the Trading Standards logo.”
#ProductRecall ⚠️ Next Gingerbread Serveboard presenting a risk of injuries.
The enamel layer of the bowl may crack and chip during use.
🔴Product Details
Brand: Next
Next Item Number: AW2342
Product Description: Serving platter shaped like a gingerbread man with a green and white scarf.
✅Advice for consumers
Do not use the product and return to place of purchase for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/M2nimpE
ALT “Recall alert for a Next gingerbread serveboard due to injury risk, with a photo of the gingerbread‑shaped board and the Trading Standards logo.”
#ScamAlert ⚠️ We've received reports of doorstep criminals recently active in Canterbury, Deal and Maidstone.
Criminals have been posing as locksmiths, using fake company names, intimidating victims to pay more money or not returning to complete the work they promised.
🚨Never respond to cold callers! You will pay a high cost for unnecessary and poor-quality work.
✅If you need work done on your home or garden use a safe, local trader from KCC Trading Standards Checked: loom.ly/CAsm6xA
➡️Report to the charity CrimeStoppers: 0800 555 111 or loom.ly/es89zdQ
You'll stay 100% anonymous, always.
If they refuse to leave or are aggressive dial 999
For advice Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133.
📣 Please warn your vulnerable friends and family to be alert.
ALT “Doorstep crime alert graphic showing a red warning light and listing Canterbury, Deal, and Maidstone as affected areas, with Kent Police and Trading Standards logos.”
#ProductRecall ⚠️ Next Gingerbread Nibble Bowl presenting a risk of injuries.
The enamel layer of the bowl may crack and chip during use.
🔴Product Details
Brand: Next
Next Item Number: AN8859
Product Description: Brown bowl with festive gingerbread design.
✅Advice for consumers
Do not use the product and return to place of purchase for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/VWObSuk
ALT “Recall alert for a Next gingerbread nibble bowl due to injury risk, with a photo of the bowl and the Trading Standards logo.”
#FoodRecall ⚠️ Aptamil is recalling First Infant Formula because cereulide toxin has been found in the product.
🚨What is cereulide toxin?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Cereulide is highly heat stable meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk.
If consumed it can lead to rapid onset of symptoms. Symptoms caused by this toxin include:
⚠️ nausea,
⚠️ vomiting and
⚠️ abdominal cramps.
⬇️Product that is affected:
Aptamil First Infant Formula
Pack size: 800g
Batch code: 31-10-2026
Best before: 31 October 2026
➡️More information: loom.ly/RdrIkxE
✅Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product do not feed it to babies. Instead, return it to place of purchase for a full refund. For further information, contact the Aptamil Careline team on 0800 996 1000 or at loom.ly/HBFAnAE
ALT “Recall alert for Aptamil First Baby Formula due to the presence of cereulide toxin, with a photo of the product and the Trading Standards logo.”
#TakeTheLead ⚠️ Dog owners in Kent are being urged to keep control of their pets in the countryside following a rise in attacks on livestock.
The National Farmers Union and Kent Trading Standards are working together to encourage pet owners to obey the Countryside Code and ensure their dogs are kept under control as lambing season gets under way.
➡️ Read the Countryside Code: explorekent.org/the-countrys…
#AllergyAlert ⚠️ Recall for Ten Acre Gifts/Coffee Syrup Collection sold in TK Maxx and Homesense as it may contain nuts, peanuts, soya and wheat (gluten) which are not mentioned on the label.
🔴 Product details
Pack size: 400ml
Batch code: 010624202503BT
Best before: 09 September 2026
Allergens: Gluten, Nuts, Peanuts, Soya
✅ Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product and have an allergy and/or intolerance to any of the allergens listed, do not eat it. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
➡️ More information: loom.ly/SKV4-oQ
ALT Recall alert showing image of product which is a black box of small glass bottles filled with syrup. There is a circular sticker on each numbered 1 to 4. At the bottom of the alert is the Kent County Council Trading Standards logo.
#BreakingNews ⚠️ More than three million illegal vaping products have been seized by Trading Standards officers in south-east England in five years.
Jim Whiddett, Kent Trading Standards operations manager, said: "Consumers might be exposing themselves to a risk because they don't know what's in the product,"
🎙️Listen to this mornings BBC Radio Kent feature
📺 Catch it on TV tonight at 6.30pm when it will be covered on BBC One South East
📰 Read the full BBC article here: loom.ly/oO2Q668
#LoveYourCommunity At a recent coffee morning, one of our residents told a Community Warden that they were finding things difficult.
With the warden’s support, they were able to:
📚 join their local library and get online
☎️ contact the Department for Work and Pensions
🏠 apply for housing close to a family member
🙌 take part in a 12 week programme with the Kent Enablement Team, which helped build confidence and independence
🎨 join a craft workshop at the library to stay creative and meet others.
They still come to our coffee mornings, now have a case worker, and are looking forward to their next craft session. Their story shows how small steps and local support can make a real difference.
Thank you to everyone who helped along the way.
➡️ To find your local warden visit: loom.ly/qTDIApk
#Kent #KCC
ALT Image shows people sat at a table doing crafting.
Perform a small act of care for your trusty appliances by registering them ➡️ registermyappliance.org.uk.
After all, they look after you every day. It’s easy and free with 70+ brands on hand to register.
#regmyappliance2026
#ScamAlert ⚠️ We've received reports of doorstep criminals active in Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone and Gravesend. 🚨Never respond to cold callers! You will pay a high cost for unnecessary and poor-quality work.
🟢Report cold callers anonymously to the charity CrimeStoppers: 0800 555 111 or loom.ly/es89zdQ
🟢If they refuse to leave or are aggressive dial 999
🟢If you need work done on your home or garden use a safe, local trader from Trading Standards Checked: loom.ly/CAsm6xA
📣 Please warn your vulnerable friends and family to be alert.
For advice call Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133.
ALT “Doorstep crime alert graphic showing a red warning light and a list of areas affected: Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, and Gravesend, with Kent Police and Trading Standards logos.”