Fake HMRC texts: Beware of these fake HMRC text messages that state you are entitled to a grant, a tax refund or a rebate due to the current lockdown.
These texts have been sent by criminals who have created fake websites. The websites that the text links to has been created to look similar to the government website, with the same branding, layout and font choices.
The fake website informs users that they will need to provide their card details in order to claim the grant or refund.
DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK.
If you think you have provided scammers with your financial details, contact your bank immediately.
If you receive what you think is a fake message, forward the text message, including the phone number or company name, to 7726. It won’t cost you anything and it means your phone provider can investigate the sender.
Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Cropping dogs’ ears: We’re calling for members of the public to report incidents of people carrying out ear cropping or arranging for dogs to be cropped abroad by calling the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
A recent spike in cases of illegal ear cropping points to the need for urgent action by the veterinary profession and the wider public to curb this worrying trend.
Ear cropping is illegal and it’s time for action to stop it happening in the UK.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) have launched the #CutTheCrop campaign to stop the normalising of this mutilation.
Please note, this blog contains graphic images some may find upsetting: https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/blog-article/why-an-alarming-new-trend-has-vets-saying-cut-the-crop/
Doorstep sales: We have received reports of fish/meat sellers calling at properties in Hundon and Sudbury.
Tier 4 and lockdown restrictions mean that door-to-door sales are not permitted, and sales activities should be carried out remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail).
If you are approached at the door and are not expecting a caller, our advice is not to answer.
If a doorstep caller knocks on your door, please do not deal with them, and report to us via 0808 223 1133.
These traders travel nationally, cold calling consumers’ homes selling the meat and fish.
This is often mis-described, mislabelled or unlabelled, overpriced and sometimes underweight. They usually use Transit-style vans which may not be refrigerated.
EU: Britain’s departure from the EU will provide criminals with an opportunity to target you with fraud and scams. These may include:
- Tricking you into purchasing European Health Insurance Cards from unofficial websites
- Fake HMRC websites urging businesses trading with the EU to register for a “UK trade number”
- Unsolicited calls/emails, using the current news around Brexit, to encourage you to make new investments
Stay ahead of the criminals by always taking a moment to Stop and Challenge any requests for your personal/financial information or money. Remember they’re experts at tricking you into believing they’re from trusted organisations using urgent language and even easily obtainable personal information so ensure you Take Five.
You can protect yourself by seeking advice directly from the gov.uk website below and contacting organisations directly using a known email or phone number. If you’re planning on making any investments, check the Financial Conduct Authority’s register for regulated firms, individuals and bodies. Additionally, HMRC will never ask you for your personal or payment information via emails or text messages.
Credit reports: Keep on top of your finances by regularly requesting a copy of your credit report from a credit reference agency. This will alert you to any entries you don’t recognise or fraudulent claims that may have been made in your name.
Protect your identity by reducing the amount you share online as criminals may make a note of the information you’ve shared to then trick you with phishing scams or to make applications in your name.
You should also cancel any lost or stolen credit or debit cards immediately to prevent them from getting into the hands of criminals.
If you’re worried your personal details have been stolen, contact your bank immediately using a known number such as the one on the back of your debit/credit card.
Consider applying to the Cifas Protective Registration Service which places a flag alongside your name and personal details in their secure National Fraud Database. Companies and organisations who are signed up as members of the database will see you’re at risk and take extra steps to protect you, preventing fraudsters from using your details to apply for products and services.
Bubbles: Boy oh boy could we do with a long hot soak in the bath! Lockdown back in play, home-schooling take two, critical workers working at full capacity and to top it all off, it is FREEEEEZING outside!
Treat yourself to some "me time", and leave your troubles in the bubbles.
BUT . . . before you dip your toes into the depths of your bath, have a quick look at the packaging of your bubble bath or bath bomb, to make sure it has all the information that a manufacturer must provide, to ensure the product is safe to use.
The labelling must have name and address details, a date of minimum durability, a batch number, a list of ingredients and the quantity/volume.
If you are someone who produces cosmetics, you must ensure the cosmetic product has undergone a safety assessment and that you acquire a safety assessment report. You must also produce and hold a Product Information File, and must Register the cosmetic product online.
If you are concerned about the safety of a cosmetic product, or are a manufacturer or retailer and need advice on the sale of such products, give us a call via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
If you need advice, or want to report a scam or rogue trader, call us via 0808 223 1133.