Author Archive: South Ashford

15M lost to online shopping scams last Christmas

24 November 2021 0 Comments

Action Fraud Alert Logo

New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveals that 28,049 shoppers were conned out of their money when shopping online over the Christmas period last year – an increase of almost two thirds (61 per cent) when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online as reports of online shopping fraud have continued to surge. Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy a secure online shopping experience this festive season.

Where to shop

Buying from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.

Your information

Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.

Payment method

When it’s time to pay for your items, check there’s a ‘closed padlock’ icon in the browser’s address bar. Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases.

Phishing

Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you’re unsure about a link, don’t use the it – go separately to the website. Report suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726.

Email accounts:

Make sure that your really important accounts (such as your email account or online shopping accounts) are protected by strong passwords that you don’t use anywhere else.

Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail. 

If things go wrong

If you’ve lost money to an online shopping scam, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland). By doing this, you’ll be helping to prevent others becoming victims of cyber crime.

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware

Consumer, Crime, Finance, News

Steve Campkin

27 April 2021 1 Comment

Kent County Council – Ashford East Division

Steve is one of two Green Party Councillors on Ashford Borough Council, representing Willesborough, having been successfully elected in May 2019 with a large majority. Steve lives and works in Willesborough and is a well known, active member of the local community.

Since his election to Ashford Borough Council in 2019 he has opposed cuts in services, rises in council tax and unpopular, inappropriate developments, while supporting and enhancing our Green spaces and serving as a committee member on Ashford’s Carbon Neutral Strategy Group.

In 2020 he also took a place on South Willesborough and Newtown Community Council to improve his understanding of issues in the area and to better represent residents with regards to the environmental impact of climate change, the challenges we now face and the opportunities available.

He has already lobbied Kent County Council on drainage and road improvements, culminating in extensive works to mitigate flooding in Willesborough and the complete resurfacing of Kennington Road

Steve , attends regular surgeries to talk with residents about local issues alongside his colleague Green Party Councillor Liz Wright.

Steve believes that by being elected as your councillor on Kent County Council, he will be able to represent residents even more effectively, and would be honoured to have your support on May 6th

Candidates

Thom Pizzey

27 April 2021 0 Comments

Thom Pizzey

Ashford Borough Council – Beaver Ward

Thom, a graphic designer, is a Young Greens Co-Ordinator and a key member of Ashford Greens Campaign Team. A Stanhope resident his entire life, Thom is standing for election to Ashford Borough Council because he believes that we need loud and unapologetic voices willing to reject the status quo politics of the other parties and provide a strong opposition.

As a Borough councillor, Thom would prioritise tackling income inequality, defending local services from cuts and privatisation, and delivering affordable and social housing while preserving green spaces. Thom says: “As your Green Borough Councillor I would be a strong voice for Ashford South, opposing all cuts to our much needed local services.”

Thom has campaigned locally and nationally to end austerity and save our public services from
being cut or privatised. He believes that it is crucial that we deal with the housing crisis and create
new social and affordable homes whilst protecting Ashford’s green spaces.

Candidates

Guide to your councils

22 September 2018 0 Comments

We are making it easier to find information about your councils (Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council)

Under our new menu item Councils and Government you will find:

Representatives: Your elected representatives in Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council as well as Parliament and European Parliament

Council and Government Services: Lists of services provided by Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council. We will expand this to government departments in the future.

News, SACF, website