TRADING Standards officials in Kent are warning people across the county about a premium rate phone scam.

The rip-off involves householders being encouraged to dial an 090 number at £1.50 a minute, to collect a package. They are kept on the line for at least four minutes.

So far the scam is reported as happening in Dartford, Thanet, Ashford, Romney Marsh, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Edenbridge, Longfield, near Gravesend, and Fawkham.

None of the consumers who complained to Kent Trading Standards went as far as finding out what was supposed to be collected as they became suspicious early on in the call.

Marion Ward, the Kent Trading Standards advice and education manager, said: “We are aware of similar scams and are concerned that consumers may be taken in by this, particularly as some might be expecting parcels in the lead-up to Christmas.

“The 090 numbers are charged at a premium rate and it is very unlikely that genuine delivery companies would use this type of number.”

Consumers first receive leaflets through their letterboxes saying that a parcel is waiting for collection.”

The leaflets also tell them to dial the number for further information. Trading Standards has received reports of this scheme since August, most complaints coming in during November.

Trading Standards officers do not know what, if any, parcels were on offer. But officials warn that in offers like this, the value of the goods are likely to be low.

* If you been a victim of a similar scheme please contact reporter Sam Lennon of the Dartford Messenger on 01322 220791.