Mobile phone scam: The National Fraud Investigation Bureau (NFIB) are aware of an ongoing scam where consumers are being cold called by individuals impersonating employees of legitimate mobile network operators and suppliers. Victims are offered early handset upgrades, or new contracts, at significant discounts. Once customers have been convinced that the deals are genuine and agree to proceed, suspects then ask for their online mobile account credentials, including log-ins, address and bank account details. Suspects then place orders with genuine companies on behalf of victims, however select a different handset to that requested and have it shipped to the customer’s address. Upon receipt, suspects assure victims that this has been an error and instruct them to ‘return’ the handset to a different address not affiliated to the mobile company. These addresses are usually residential. Upon intercepting the ‘returned’ handsets, the suspects cease contact and victims find themselves stuck with no phone and liable for the entirety of a new contract taken out in their name. The NFIB have received over 300 reports since January 2020 with reported losses in excess of £86,000.
What you need to do:
- Cold calls about mobile upgrades and contracts - If you’re unsure that the person calling you is an official representative of the company they claim to be from, hang up and do not reveal any personal information.
- Only contact your mobile network provider on a number you know to be correct. For example, 191 for Vodafone customers, 150 for EE customers, 333 for Three customers, 202 for O2 customers, 4455 for Tesco Mobile, 789 for Virgin Mobile and 150 for Sky Mobile.
- If you receive a device that you did not order or expect, contact the genuine sender immediately. The details for this will be within the parcel.
- NEVER post a device directly to a given address. All genuine Mobile Network Operators would send out a jiffy bag for you to return without you incurring additional cost.
Foam insulation: Reports have been received from residents who have had telephone calls from companies making claims about the foam insulation that has been installed in their property. The companies are targeting Suffolk residents who have had foam insulation installed, advising them that there may be a problem with the installation, and that they can come and inspect. Upon inspection they state that fibre insulation has been left in the loft, and that it should be removed to allow the loft to breathe. We have spoken to an independent expert surveyor, who has advised that there is no benefit to having this removed. One Suffolk resident was charged £1,700.
- Always be wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call.
- Always check the credentials of any company that contacts you out of the blue.
- Always check any claims made, especially when the company are claiming to work with other agencies.
- Always check the ID's of anyone who visits your property, claiming to work for an organisation. Keep any paperwork they give you.
- Never provide any personal information to a caller that is not required.
- Never agree to any work done until you have received a second opinion.
If you have any concerns about a company that has contacted you, call us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Census text scam: Beware of these scam Census text messages. These scam texts threaten the recipient with a £1000 fine for not completing the census, or for filling it in incorrectly. These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake website to look similar to the genuine Census website, with the same branding, layout and font choices. The website asks you for personal information, including financial information.
DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK.
The Office for National Statistics will never contact someone by text in relation to the census
The Office for National Statistics will never issue a fine by text, phone call, email or social media
Further information can be found on their website at https://census.gov.uk/your-data-and-security/how-we-will-contact-or-visit-you.
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.
Trampoline safety: Are you thinking of buying a trampoline? Or do you already own one? Here are a few safety tips to help keep your kids happy, and avoid a trip to A&E. The trampolines that we use at home are covered by the British Standard BS EN 71-14:2018. The standard doesn’t cover things like public trampolines, fitness trampolines or those incorporating additional features such as tents or basketball hoops. When buying a trampoline, look for a model with safety pads and check that they cover the frame, hooks and springs. Also consider a trampoline with safety netting to help prevent the user from falling off the trampoline. The enclosure entrance should be big enough for an adult to access, and it must be possible to open it from the inside and outside. Read the instructions and all the warnings displayed. These will include warnings such as the maximum weight of the user, that adult supervision is required and that no somersaults should be done on the trampoline. One warning that will be displayed, which we know is a difficult one, is that trampolines should only be used by one person at a time. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 60% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at a time. If you are concerned about the safety of a product, stop using it immediately, and report it to Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133. More information is available on our website: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/product-safety-advice-and-recalls/trampoline-safety
Home buying: Are you thinking about buying a new home? The stamp duty holiday ends on 30 June 2021 and many people are making a move. But watch out! You may receive an email or text urging you to take action before the deadline. They might ask you to share your personal details or pay money to take advantage of the reduced stamp duty rate. If you feel pressured to act, something seems suspicious STOP. Check your email or text again and CHALLENGE the sender. Criminals will pretend to be a reputable mortgage lender, bank, or the government to steal your data or money. Don’t let them! Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and texts to 7726.
Toys seized: Suffolk Trading Standards officers have seized 868 sensory toys from a retailer in Lowestoft. Concerns were made to the Department about the sale of toys that did not have any CE labelling and that had easily fallen apart. Officers visited the store, and following a visual assessment seized the toys. Many of the toys have no labelling, no details of the manufacturer or importer, no warnings to their age suitability, and do not have a CE or UKCA mark. Samples of some of the toys will be sent away for testing, and investigations continue.
No one wants to take a risk with toy safety, so always bear in mind these tips when buying for children:
- Look for the 'CE' or 'UKCA' symbol: this means the manufacturer has assessed the toy for safety. Find the symbol on the label or box.
- Reputation matters: look for suppliers who have a good reputation for safe and reliable toys. They’ll have good safety standards and refund policies.
- Button battery safety: many toys may have button batteries - which can prove lethal if ingested. Check they are screwed in safely before giving to a child.
- Check age restrictions: toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions, which assess risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.
- Consider additional needs: remember that children with additional needs might be more vulnerable, and make sure you shop accordingly.
- Choking hazards: avoid toys with small parts or loose fabric – they can be choking hazards.
If you are concerned about the safety of a toy, please stop a child from playing with it immediately. Report the product to us by calling Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Brushing: Have you heard of the Amazon package scam called “brushing?” This crime involves having packages you didn’t order from Amazon show up on your doorstep. At first glance, receiving packages you haven’t paid for might seem like a great problem to have. The victims are not charged for the items in questions, but also can’t stop the items from being shipped. Scammers engage in this behaviour in an effort to make the purchase look genuine and avoid violating Amazon’s terms for reviewing one’s own products. Instead, they set up multiple fake accounts to purchase their own products and then give themselves glowing reviews. The more reviews a product has, the more likely people are to buy the goods as they trust that it will suit their needs. This means that it is more profitable for these companies to give away their products at the start, as they will turn a profit thanks to their fake reviews. Some people might not think of this as being “victims” of a scam. After all, you’re not being charged for the items, no one has touched your credit card (that you know of), and technically, these items aren’t even stolen since the seller is the one who purchased them. The reality, though, is being involved in a brushing scam means that someone has gained access to your name, mailing address, and potentially other information. Depending on how they accessed your information, they could be privy to a lot more of your personally identifiable information than you realise. If you begin receiving packages that are addressed to you but you did not order, contact the retailer immediately. Then change your passwords on your online accounts, just in case the scammer got your address by hacking an account.
You can check if your email or phone number has been leaked in a data breach here: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
Help to protect yourself from identity theft:
- Protect your name and address by opting out of the ‘open’ electoral register: https://www.gov.uk/electoral-register/opt-out-of-the-open-register
- Regularly check your bank accounts and chase up any statements that you don’t get when you expect them.
- Dispose of anything containing your personal or banking details by using a cross-cut shredder or tearing into small pieces.
- Protect your internet-connected devices with up-to-date security software, and make sure you install all official software updates and security fixes on such devices.
Report a scam to us by calling the national Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Nottingham Knockers: We’ve had reports that Nottingham Knockers have been calling at properties in and around Kessingland, Beccles, Mutford and Ipswich. They may still be in the area or could have moved on elsewhere in the County. 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 individuals are claiming that they have just come out of prison, and are on a youth offending scheme, attempting to mend their ways. They then try to sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. Trading Standards always advise residents to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from salespeople offering supposedly one-off ‘buy it now’ low prices. These Nottingham Knockers work in gangs across the country and they are NOT involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme. Many do not possess Pedlar’s Certificates, which are issued by police. If you are approached at the door, please refuse to buy.
Doorstep crime: With lockdown restrictions easing and the milder weather (finally!) on it's way, we are concerned that we will start to see an increase in doorstep crime. We have received a number of calls recently regarding groups of individuals offering to carry out work at residential properties across Suffolk. We have have also received reports of fish sellers, Nottingham Knockers individuals going door to door selling garden furniture. Due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and hopefully better weather, there will likely be an increase in these incidents. As such, we want to remind residents to stay alert and look out for vulnerable neighbours. Trading Standards always advise residents to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from salespeople offering supposedly one-off ‘buy it now’ low prices.
Here are our top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:
- Never sign or agree to anything on the spot.
- Check the trader’s identity. Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine.
- Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home.
- Always shop around for the best price.
- Read the small print. Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights.
- Double check the facts. Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction –including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing.
- Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
- Don’t hand over a cash deposit. Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this.
- Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away. If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.
- Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Know your rights around the law and cold calling doorstep traders:
If you pay or agree to pay over £42 for any services or goods that are sold to you in your home, then:
- you have 14 days to cancel the agreement. If you cancel, any monies that you have paid should be returned to you
- the trader must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights when you agree the contract. If the trader doesn't provide you with this information, they commit a criminal offence
This protection applies even when you invite a trader to your home.
Although doorstep calling is not illegal, the law states that a trader who ignores a resident's request to leave and not return commits a criminal offence. You can show you do not want to receive visits from cold calling doorstep traders by displaying our sticker. Any trader that puts you under pressure by suggesting you have to make a decision there and then, or that the "special price" is only available for a limited period in order to make you sign up, may be committing a criminal offence. Doorstep traders are trained in sales techniques and can be very persuasive. Be very wary of signing anything as you may give up your rights to cancel. Our advice is to always say "No thank you - please leave" and then immediately close the door. If the trader won't go away, tell them that you will call Suffolk Trading Standards. If you feel under real threat or in danger, you should contact Suffolk Police.
We can help stop such traders calling at your property, and those in your community. We have produced No Cold Calling stickers that can be displayed on your door. If you would like one, please email us with your address to tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk, and we will pop it in the post to you. To give greater protection to you and your neighbours, we would recommend that you nominate your road to become a No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ). This is a geographical area where residents have identified that they do not want visits from unsolicited or 'cold' callers.
You need to consider:
- the main reason for setting up the NCCZ must be crime prevention or reduction, or reducing the fear of crime - and there must be a likely chance that a NCCZ will assist in achieving this purpose
- there must be a problem already identified in relation to crime in your area; for example, there needs to be specific intelligence or evidence of high levels of doorstep crime
- the size of the NCCZ must be limited and directly correspond to the geographic scope of the identified problem
- there must be a high number of residents in the area who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and/or deception from unsolicited or 'cold' callers
Find our more about the scheme here and how to apply here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/fair-trading/no-cold-calling-zones/
If you are approached by a doorstep caller, please do not engage. Close the door and report them to us by contacting Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 0808 223 1133.
Wine investment: Don't let your wine investment go sour! There is a trend of targeting members of the public who are seeking to sell their wine investment. Fraudsters agree to purchase the victim’s wine, but instead transfer the stock into their own account without paying the victim. The fraudulently obtained wine is then believed to be sold on to other, unsuspecting victims. Fraudsters set up fake companies and websites as well as exploit the names of legitimate, established companies to facilitate this fraud. They cold-call the victims and offer to purchase their wine for significantly more than the actual market value. Fraudulent documents, such as purchase agreements, are used to facilitate the fraud and are sent to the victims via post and email. Some fraudsters have gone as far as setting up fake escrow services in order to fool the potential sellers that the payments have been transferred. The fraudsters send the victims instructions to transfer their wine into storage accounts held within legitimate bonded warehouses. The victims are informed that upon doing this they will be paid the agreed amount. The use of storage accounts held within legitimate bonded warehouses adds an air of legitimacy to the process but in actual fact these storage accounts are controlled by the fraudsters. Once the wine is transferred into the new storage accounts the suspects break off all contact with the victims. The wine is then moved again, normally within days and often abroad, and, needless to say, the victim never receives the money from the agreed sale. Advice is available here from Action Fraud here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/wine-investment-fraud-dont-let-your-investment-go-sour
Solar panels: We have received a report that individuals have been cold calling at properties in Ipswich, offering to inspect the solar panels on the roof. 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/
Global Health Insurance Card: The introduction of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has led to criminals creating fake websites designed to look like that of the NHS. The sites claim to either fast-track or manage your application process before charging you an up-front fee. It’s important to remember that the GHIC, which replaces the European Health Insurance Card, is FREE to use and can only be obtained directly via the NHS website. You also don’t need to apply for a GHIC until your current EHIC expires.
You can report scam ads appearing in paid-for space online by visiting the Advertising Standard Authority’s website where you can complete their quick reporting form.
Magnet danger: The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the UK’s national product safety regulator, has issued a Safety Alert to warn of the risk of serious injury and death from swallowing small high-powered magnets. The OPSS Safety Alert follows increasing reports of injuries from ingestion of magnets, particularly among children and young people. OPSS has identified a particular hazard arising from the use of high-powered magnets in products, where the magnets can be swallowed, such as fridge magnets, earrings, tongue piercings and drink charms. Businesses and online platforms have been reminded of their obligations under product safety law. They must remove from the market products containing small magnets which breach the safety requirements of the Toy Safety Regulations or the General Product Safety Regulations. Specifically, businesses and retail platforms are advised to remove from the market any products that breach the magnetic flux index where there is a risk that magnets may be ingested by a child. They must also ensure that clear warnings are included with any products that contain magnets, where there is a risk of ingestion. The public is being asked to take appropriate steps to keep these products away from children as ingestion could result in a serious or fatal injury. Parents or guardians should understand the signs of magnetic ingestion (stomach pain, vomiting and fever) and act quickly to get immediate medical treatment if they believe a magnet has been swallowed. In March 2021, an awareness campaign was launched to highlight the dangers of small, high powered magnets, in conjunction with Child Accident Prevention Trust, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. There have been several incidents involving children and young people swallowing small magnets and there is a very real risk of serious injury or worse. If a child swallows the small balls, magnets effectively burn holes in their intestines or bowels. The magnets stick together internally and through organs and tissues, and can cut off blood supply causing tissue to die. They are much more complex than button batteries to extract. The child will need emergency surgery, then, depending on the severity of the injuries, they may need numerous operations, bowel resection and time in paediatric intensive care.
Product recalls:
Product recall of Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider. While there have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths in the 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders, Mattel are recalling the product globally due to reports in the United States of four infant deaths in a similar product sold in North America. The infants were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained in the product and later found on their stomachs. This recall applies to the following product numbers of the Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider:
GWD46
FYY21
GGW85
HBD64
The model number is located on the underside of the base of the products. Consumers who purchased the Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider online do not need to take any immediate action to return products and get a refund. Within the next 2 weeks your online retailer will send an e-mail to all consumers who purchased the product. This e-mail will include information how to return the product to the online retailer in order to get a refund. Consumers who purchased the Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider via another retail channel (not online) are requested to visit https://www.service.mattel.com/ and click on the “International” button for more information on how to return the product in order to get a refund.
IKEA is recalling HEROISK and TALRIKA plates, bowls, and mugs due to risk of breakage and burns. IKEA is asking customers who have purchased HEROISK or TALRIKA plates, bowls, or mugs which were sold between August 2019 and May 2021 to stop using them. IKEA has received reports of the plates, bowls and mugs breaking, potentially causing burns due to hot contents. The products have been withdrawn from sale and they are now issuing a recall. If you have the products you should return them to an IKEA store for a full refund. Proof of purchase (receipt) is not required. Please visit https://ikea.co.uk/ or contact Customer Services on 0203 645 0010 for more information.
HEROISK
40414140- HEROISK bowl 14 green/yellow
00414142-HEROISK bowl 14 green/yellow 2-p RU
20414141-HEROISK bowl 14 green/yellow AP
30426860-HEROISK mug 25 cl light red/yellow 2-p
10426861-HEROISK mug 25 cl light red/yellow 2-p AP
90426862-HEROISK mug 25 cl light red/yellow 2-p RU
80414143-HEROISK plate w 3 comp 22 light red/green 2-p
60414144-HEROISK plate w 3 comp 22 light red/green 2-p AP
30414145-HEROISK plate w 3 comp 22 light red/green 2-p RU
00421411-HEROISK side plate 19 blue/light red 2-p80421412HEROISK side plate 19 blue/light red 2-p AP
60421413-HEROISK side plate 19 blue/light red 2-p RU
TALRIKA
80452738-TALRIKA bowl 11 white 4-p
60452739-TALRIKA bowl 11 white 4-p AP
70417482-TALRIKA bowl 14 light red 4-p
20421108-TALRIKA bowl 14 light red 4-p AP
90417481-TALRIKA deep plate 20 light green 4-p
50421121-TALRIKA deep plate 20 light green 4-p AP
30421122-TALRIKA deep plate 20 light green 4-p RU
30417479-TALRIKA mug 25 cl light red 4-p
30421117-TALRIKA mug 25 cl light red 4-p AP10
421118-TALRIKA mug 25 cl light red 4-p RU
10417480-TALRIKA side plate 19 dark blue 4-p
90421119-TALRIKA side plate 19 dark blue 4-p AP
70421120-TALRIKA side plate 19 dark blue 4-p RU