Businesses Beware: Businesses across the Country are receiving these scam letters in the post, purporting to come from BEIS, stating it is a legal requirement for air purifiers to be installed as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. The letter includes an offer to sell such purifiers to the recipient with a request for company details. Needless to say, these letters are entirely false and BEIS is currently investigating this matter. There is no legal requirement for businesses to install such purifiers. Businesses should only access advice from trusted sources, such as www.gov.uk and, if in doubt, contact Suffolk Trading Standards or your local Environmental Health for guidance.
Tickets: Don’t let the excitement of buying cheap tickets for events and shows leave you out of pocket. The reopening of cinemas and museums on 17 May will provide criminals with an opportunity to sell you tickets that can be fake or not exist. Always access websites by typing the URL into your web browser and read online reviews before making any purchases to ensure the offer is genuine. Take Five to check you’re purchasing your tickets from an official member of the regulatory body STAR by searching the company name at star.org.uk. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one listed on the back of your debit or credit card.
HSBC: We've had a flurry of reports about these HSBC scam text messages being received. These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake website to look similar to the HSBC website, with the same branding, layout and font choices. 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.
Staycations: Criminals are taking advantage of the increasing number of people opting for staycations by advertising “too good to be true” deals. Challenge – Could it be fake? If it’s at a rock bottom price, ask yourself why.
Always remember:
- Read online reviews from reputable sources to check websites and bookings are legitimate.
- Access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it in to the web browser and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
- Use the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers and don’t accept requests to pay separately via bank transfer.
- Where possible, use a credit card when booking holidays over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75.
Mini cheese recall: Lactalis McLelland Ltd is recalling its President Mini Cheese Selection because it may contain nuts which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts.
Pack size: 136.6g
Use by: 24 May 2021
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to nuts, do not eat it. Instead return it to
New tax year: The move into the new financial tax year on the 5 April provides criminals with another opportunity to try to scam you. This may be through emails or texts appearing to be from HMRC claiming you’re due a tax refund, owe tax or urging you to provide your personal and financial information. Criminals may also offer their services to help you with your application whilst charging you a fee to complete the process. Take Five and know it’s okay to say no to unsolicited offers of help or requests for your details. Visit the gov.uk website to access HMRC’s scams checklist which also details examples of fake phishing emails. If you receive a scam email claiming to be from HMRC forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Cold callers: We have received a report that 3 men are cold calling at properties in Leiston, offering a survey to check for leaks in the roof. They have approached properties advising the occupants that their roof “needed seeing to”, and that they need to go into their loft to check on it. The callers have mentioned that a green energy grant is available for the cost or any work needed. If you are approached, please report them immediately to us via 0808 223 1133. Our normal advice is to never agree to anything, including a home visit, when approached by a cold caller on the phone, at your door or via email. Do your research first, and find out if it is a product or service that you want or require. You may be entitled to a grant to help you with the cost of energy improvements on your home, but don’t trust a cold caller who advises you that you are. In Suffolk you can contact Suffolk Energy Action locally on 0345 0371234, or call Simple Action Energy on 0800 444202. Both will be able to clarify the current grants available, and what you may be eligible for. More information can be found here: https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/
Hermes texts: Beware of these fake Hermes text messages, that lead to a bogus website. These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake website to look similar to the Hermes website, with the same branding, layout and font choices. 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.
Amazon calls: Beware of telephone calls being made by fraudsters pretending to be from Amazon. We’ve had reports of calls being made from individuals claiming your Amazon Prime subscription is due to expire, and will be automatically taken from your account. The recorded message asks you to press 1 to cancel or to speak to customer services. The call then goes through to an individual who “requires” your personal details. Another scam call claims that your Amazon Prime account is being cancelled and that bank details are required to refund this. If you receive a call, claiming to be from Amazon, HANG UP! Do not provide any personal information, your Amazon log in details, banking details or credit/debit card information. Report any scam calls to Suffolk Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Report scams: The consequences of falling for fraud and scams can affect different people in different ways, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. However, you’ve been affected, it’s important to report fraud and scams to not only protect others but to also help law enforcement and other organisations disrupt and shut down the ways in which criminals operate. If you’ve fallen for a scam, make sure you contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct before reporting it to the relevant organisations. We’ve provided the below handy list so you know who to report to.
- Make sure you forward scam texts to 7726, and if a scam text claims to be from your bank, then you should also report it to them.
- If you receive a phishing email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
- You can report online adverts that may be a scam directly to the Advertising Standards Authority by completing their quick reporting form.
- If you receive a scam email claiming to be from HMRC forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Sainsbury’s recall: Sainsbury’s is recalling Taste the Difference Medjool dates because they might be contaminated with Hepatitis A.
Pack size: 200g and 500g
Best before: All dates
Supplier / Site Code: K0014EW
If you have purchased the above product with the supplier/site code K0014EW displayed on the date label, do not eat them. Return them to your nearest Sainsbury's store for a full refund.