Consumer Alert Newsletter 31 October 2025

Dear Kent Residents Halloween and Bonfire Night are just around the corner – a time for fun, fireworks and fancy dress. But while you’re enjoying the celebrations, remember that safety comes first. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your fireworks. This helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe.

On Halloween if you’d prefer a quieter evening, keep your house dark, turn off exterior lights, and close your curtains.

Whatever your plans, look out for your neighbours and report any suspicious activity to Kent Police or contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire Night.

For scam alerts as they are issued please add us on Instagram or Facebook.

Mark Rolfe

Interim Head Community Protection

We’ve received reports of scammers impersonating the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). In one case, a resident who lost money through crypto trading was contacted by fraudsters claiming to be from CTSI. They asked for more money to help recover the lost funds. This is a scam. CTSI is a membership organisation and does not handle individual cases or claims.

If this happens to you: Call your bank immediately using 159 🔗 Report it to Kent Police.

Fireworks can be fun — but safety comes first. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your fireworks. This helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe. ➡ ️ Find more guidance here.

Don’t let scary face paint cause a real fright

Some cheap Halloween face paints and make-up kits can contain harmful chemicals like lead or parabens. These can cause rashes, allergic reactions, or worse.

Always check the label for UK safety standards and avoid products without clear ingredients.

If you spot unsafe or unlabelled face paints, report it to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit their website.

Henry Quick Corded Vacuum presenting a serious risk of electric shock.

It is possible for an external screw to be in contact with live internal parts.

Product Details Model: HEC.100 Barcode: 5028965881910 Sales period: 1st August 2025 – 17th October 2025 Affected products: Serial numbers beginning with 7524 followed by: 00001 - 03998, and serial numbers beginning with 7527 followed by: 03751, 03793, 03795, 03799, 03801, 03804, 03805, 03809, 03812, 03819, 03826, 03829, 03832, 03834, 03839, 03843, 03851, 05905, 05951

Advice for consumers Do not use the product and ensure it is unplugged. Please access the My Henry website to register for a free return and replacement.

Petiyark Neoprene Swim Vest sold via Amazon presenting a serious risk of drowning.

Product Details Brand: Petiyark Model number: FLY01 Batch numbers: 20231201XHS, 20231201SHX Barcode: X0027L8P2D

Advice for consumers Stop using the product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress. ➡ ️ More information

Shatchi Professional Fly Killer sold via Amazon, B&Q, Temu, eBay and Debenhams presenting a risk of electric shock.

Product Details Brand: Shatchi Model: 99300 Batch: 250330 Barcode: 5056141098852

Advice for consumers Stop using the product immediately. Contact Shatchi to arrange a return and refund via [email protected] or by calling 01463 432600.

How to get advice and report

To report scams and get advice on consumer issues call Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

If you have information on doorstep criminals, counterfeit, fake or illegal goods, illicit tobacco, loan sharks or those selling restricted items to underage kids, call the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111

To find a safe, local trader use Kent County Council’s safe trader scheme: Trading Standards Checked. To find a member call 03000 416438 or visit kent.gov.uk/tschecked