Wedding refunds
Has your wedding be cancelled due to Covid-19? Have you been unable to get a refund from your venue or one of the suppliers? The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has established a COVID-19 Taskforce, which is investigating this area of concern. If you have been affected by unfair cancellation terms in wake of COVID-19, they can report them to the CMA using this online form: https://www.coronavirus-business-complaint.service.gov.uk/ Criminals continue to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to commit fraud, as a scam involving the purchase of pets, such as puppies and kittens, continues to be reported to Action Fraud. So far, 669 people have lost a combined total of £282,686 in March and April, after putting down deposits for pets they have seen advertised online. The adverts that victims have responded to were posted on social media, general online selling platforms and also specific pet selling platforms. The criminals posting these ads never have any animals to sell and will ask victims to put down a deposit for the pet to secure the purchase. They use the outbreak of COVID-19 and the current lockdown restrictions as a reason why the victim cannot come and see the animal first, or pick it up. After the initial payment more and more funds will be requested to cover insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.
To help protect yourself from scams like this:
Do your research - Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person, you are buying from. If you’re still not sure, ask a trusted friend or family member for their advice.
Trust your instinct - If you can’t physically go to see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, don’t go ahead with the purchase.
Choose your payment method wisely – If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal.
More info here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/animal-lovers-looking-for-pets-in-lockdown-defrauded-of-nearly-300000-in-two-months
TV Licensing scam
Please beware of emails that are disguised to look like they have been sent by the TV Licensing organisation. They may say you're entitled to a refund for an overpayment or warn that your licence is about to expire. They will then ask you to respond by entering your bank details on a fake website. Although the emails may use the TV Licensing logo and have other features that make them look authentic, you should never trust them. More information here: https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288 Please report all scams to Suffolk Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Crafts businesses
If you make crafts as a hobby, you may have daydreamed about turning it into a money-making business. We have been contacted by lots of individuals during lockdown who have decided to do just that. So why wait? If you have a bit of extra time on your hands you could do a bit of research on how to launch your business. If you don't really know where to start, we would recommend that you look at Business Companion: https://www.businesscompanion.info/ It has free and impartial advice and guidance on goods, service, how and where to sell. If you need more help, then we would be more than happy to give you advice. Give us a call via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Sweetcorn recall
Green Giant Original Sweetcorn is being recalled because some seams may be faulty due to a packaging fault, which could make this product unsafe to eat https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-22-2020