the website of South Ashford Community Forum
#UrbanFraudMyths
MythMoney Transfer systems are always a safe way of making payments.
This is only the case if you personally know and can verify the person you are sending money to.
You should take care when sending money using these services as, once cash is collected, the recipient is not traceable and money is not refundable.
#UrbanFraudMyths
Downloading digital content illegally is harmless
This type of crime is far from victimless and has serious repercussions.
Doing so can result in money being used to fund the activities of serious organised crime groups and also has an impact on creative industries and the UK economy.
Legitimate and high quality downloads are easy to find. Use Content Map to access legal content online
Myth:Public wi-fi is secure and provides a safe forum in which I can do my banking, shopping etc.
Any data sent through public wi-fi can be intercepted unless you have taken steps to encrypt your data.
If you use a mobile device over public wi-fi, you are risking the security of your personal information, digital identity and your money. Risks are even greater if your computer or device are not secured by an effective security system.
www.actionfraud.police.uk/how-fraudsters-can-target-you-on-public-networks
Health officials are reminding Kent residents of some simple steps they can take to beat the Norovirus bug this winter.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in England and Wales; it can affect people of any age and is more prevalent during colder months.
The symptoms begin around 12 to 72 hours after the patient picks up the infection and can usually last for 12 to 60 hours, but sometimes longer. (more…)
Myth:Bank staff might ask for your PIN or on-line banking password to check who you are when they call you.
Bank staff will never ask you for your 4 digit card PIN number or on-line banking password when speaking with you over the phone.
They would never ask you to tap them into the telephone key pad either.
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk/joint-declaration-phone-scams.asp
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk/Consumer-Card-Fraud-Telephone-Scam.asp
Even though we are aware that, as stated in the original literature sent to residents, the results of the ballot (for and against) are non-binding on the Council and are one part of the consultation process, we are disappointed with the voting, .
Whilst we appreciate that the Borough Council were trying to maintain neutrality, they could have been more informative regarding the precept. Many people saw the top figure quoted of £88 pa and assumed that the Community Council precepts could be similar. The Council’s literature didn’t indicate why Tenterden’s precept is so large and hence not likely to be representative of the urban areas. This fuelled ill informed statements made against the creation of Community Councils. The situation was not helped by the minimal coverage in the local press, despite this potentially being the biggest change in local governance, in the Borough, since 1974.
If the Borough Council do not create a Community Council for South Ashford, South Ashford Community Forum will continue do its best to represent the views of the residents and will seek increased support from the Borough Council to enable us to do this more effectively.
South Ashford Community Forum 9th November 2015
Kentish Express 12 November 2015
Myth:When someone calls me the number displayed must be genuine
Numbers can be ‘spoofed’ to mislead the person answering the call.
Never trust the number you see on the display!
It’s worth researching the market and what your new consumer rights mean before you buy, particularly if you are shopping for expensive items. If you know your rights, you can spot traders who do not seem to be compliant and so avoid potential problems from the start.
The consumer service can advise on consumer problems or give pre-shopping advice to reduce risk.
Phone 03454 040506 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, except Bank Holidays.
You can also email queries through the website citizensadvice.org.uk
If you do have a problem you can visit:
Ashford Borough Citizens Advice Bureau (more…)
This call for evidence asks consumers to share their experiences on switching suppliers and how the process could be improved. We welcome any views and experiences of switching suppliers for:
The call for evidence proposes 6 principles which suppliers should follow to make switching easier for consumers. (more…)
The short term “right to reject” enables you to return goods to a trader, within a 30 day period, for a full refund if your core rights have been breached. The burden of proof will be on you to show that the goods are not satisfactory, fit for purpose or as described.
Consumer law states that cancellation terms must be fair, transparent and prominent. However, your cancellation rights vary depending on where and when the contract was made and what it is for. Take time to find out about cancellation rights for the item or service you are buying.
Citizens’ Advice: Know your new rights