Bogus callers: In the last week we have received a few reports of what appear to be bogus doorstep callers, calling at properties in Ipswich to talk about Broadband pricing. At one property they were very persistent, claiming that they were not selling, but wanted to talk to the resident about broadband pricing. At another they stated they were there to talk about "fibre upgrades". Here it was noted that the male had a jacket with the name of a company on it, but for a different type for business. One other reported that the caller claimed to work for a broadband provider but was unable to provide any ID. Were you approached? If so, please call us to provide any further intelligence. If you do have someone knock at your door:
- Use a spy hole, chain or window to have a look at the caller before answering the door and keep the chain on. If you do not recognise the caller then speak through the closed and locked door.
- Always ask for proof of identity. Take it from the person (through the letterbox) and read it carefully before deciding what to do.
- Never use a phone number provided by the caller as it could be a false number to an accomplice.
- Never give bank details to a caller, even those claiming to be from charities. Police will have a list of charitable organisations visiting your area which can be checked by calling 101. We recommend that you contact the charity directly if you wish to make a regular donation through your bank or building society.
- Display a No Cold Calling sticker on your door which are free from Trading Standards and never buy goods and services from people calling at your door.
- If you have any doubt, keep them out and remember you do not have to open the door.
Report all doorstep callers to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Bird Flu: Sadly we have had two further Avian Influenza cases declared this week, bringing the total to 8 outbreaks since 1st March. The two latest outbreaks are both backyard flocks, one with 18 mixed Poultry in Buxhall, near Stowmarket and the other with 5 chickens in Clopton, near Woodbridge. A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone has been placed around each infected premises. Trading Standards Officers will be be making contact with all properties in the 3km Protection Zone to help us and the Animal and Plant Health Agency establish where poultry are housed. For the latest information head to the Gov website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Wonka Bars: We’re warning people not to buy counterfeit ‘Wonka’ bars, which are being sold in shops and online across the UK and may be unsafe to eat. Any Wonka-branded chocolate which doesn’t feature the official ‘Ferrero’ or ‘Ferrara Candy Company’ trademarks on the label is likely to be a counterfeit. These counterfeit Wonka bars may be unsafe to eat, as they might have been produced or repackaged by unregistered businesses or individuals who aren’t complying with food hygiene, labelling and traceability laws. Some of the counterfeit Wonka Bars removed from sale across the Country have been found to contain allergens that weren’t listed on the label. This poses a major health risk to anyone who suffers from a food allergy or intolerance. Please report the sale of counterfeit Wonka bars to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. More info: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/fsa-issues-warning-over-counterfeit-wonka-bars
Fake texts: Beware of these fake NHS text messages that residents have been receiving. The message state that you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive and they ask you to order a test kit. The link leads to fake NHS websites that asks for personal information and then payment for the kits. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (it's free of charge).
Rescued Animals: Animal rehoming charities were today urged to ensure any rescued animals enter the country with the necessary vaccination paperwork after an illegal movement of Ukrainian dogs was discovered by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), risking the UK’s rabies-free status. Follow-up border checks by the APHA showed a shipment of 19 animals imported by a rescue charity travelled on falsified rabies documentation. The dogs had been rehomed and fostered by families across Great Britain, but local authorities and APHA are now tracing the animals to protect public health and ensure we remain rabies free. The animals are being placed in quarantine while a further decision is made on their disease risk level. The UK’s strict animal control strategies are central to our animal health standards which are second to none. We have long been rabies-free and wish to remain so and to protect the public from diseases and pathogens which can be brought to the UK by animals which have not received the correct health preparations to travel. Earlier this month, the Government confirmed new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Using an emergency licence, people fleeing the country can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs fully covered. Before arrival, people leaving Ukraine or their carrier should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 option 2. They will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency licence and organise any necessary stay in quarantine which is required to complete the rabies risk management process. If you believe you have taken in a Ukrainian pet from this charity, please contact the APHA helpline on 03000 200 301 to help ensure they can be quarantined as soon as possible.
Don’t fall for a scam on April Fools Day. Be direct and say no if you receive a request for your personal or financial information. Follow the Take Five advice and remember criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Recall: Scratch Meals is recalling Scratch Chicken & Veggie Tikka Masala with spiced brown rice because it contains incorrect ingredients, Niacin and Zinc which are not listed in the ingredients list on the label. This means it may be unsafe.
Pack size: 380g
Use by: 27 March 2022, 28 March 2022, 29 March 2022, 30 March 2022, 31 March 2022, 01 April 2022 and 02 April 2022
The presence of niacin and zinc may cause a temporary adverse reaction. Although, they might cause discomfort, they are unlikely to pose a serious risk to health. Symptoms caused by consuming large amount of niacin and zinc usually include hot flushes, tingly feelings, sickness and diarrhoea. If you have bought any of the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.