Rogue Trader Reported in Stowmarket
On Tuesday Suffolk Trading Standards were called to a number of properties in Stowmarket where a trader was carrying out work on their driveways. The trader had gone door to door offering to resin their driveways for £300. Our advice is to never deal with traders on your doorstep and to do your research before agreeing to have any work carried out. Don't be fooled by sign printed vans, glossy leaflets and a website. The traders carrying out the work did not provide any paperwork, no cancellation notices were given (a legal requirement), and there was no address on their website. All residents were advised of their rights, with some deciding to continue with the work being carried out. While it might be tempting to agree to low prices being offered on the doorstep, think twice.
Our advice is:
never agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call, and don't be pressurised into having the job done immediately
if you think work needs doing to your home, get quotes from 2 or 3 traders
ask for the full name and address from a trader before considering dealing with them, and never rely solely on a mobile phone number
ask for a written quotation detailing all the proposed work and a final price for the job
only pay once the work is completed to your satisfaction, don't pay up front for materials, don't pay cash.
If you are approached at the door by a trader just say no, close the door and then report them to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Watch out for energy scams
There are reports of a scam email claiming to be from Ofgem asking for bank details so customers can get a rebate. Ofgem would never ask for your bank details with regards to energy bills. Check email addresses. Any emails to or from Ofgem always end @ofgem.gov.uk. Check branding. The Ofgem logo will always be present in their communications. It should never look stretched, blurry or distorted. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and then report it to Action Fraud. Forward scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on report@phishing.gov.uk. NCSC has the power to investigate and remove scam email addresses and websites.
Doorstep trader selling oriental rugs in Bury St Edmunds
Yesterday (Wednesday 18th May) we received reports of a person calling at properties in Bury St Edmunds today offering to sell, restore and clean oriental rugs. If you were approached and are able to provide us with any further details please contact on the number below. Traders often operate across the UK going door to door offering goods or services which can often be mis-described or overpriced.
Protect Yourself
Get a number of quotes from traders known to you, family or friends
Do not answer the door to traders you do not know or have not asked to visit
Display a notice to deter cold callers (email us and we'll pop one in the post)
Report cold callers to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Nottingham Knockers
We’ve had reports that Nottingham Knockers were calling at properties in Long Melford, Lavenham and Ipswich. They may still be in the area, or could have moved on elsewhere in the County. These individuals are claiming to have been in prison and are on a youth offending scheme, attempting to mend their ways. The individuals go on to then try and sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. One report advises that the individual went on to offer to do odd job such as washing cars. 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 groups across the country but they are not involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme and many do not possess Pedlar’s Certificates, which are issued by police. If you are approached at the door, please refuse to buy. Report all doorstep callers to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Typically, courier fraudsters target their victims by claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from a victim’s bank and they often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictitious investigations. In 2021 alone, 3,625 people were victims of courier fraud, with loses totalling more than £15.2 million.
Courier Fraudsters - Learn about their tactics
An analysis of data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has highlighted four modus operandi (MOs) which are now more commonly being used by fraudsters.
Four common MOs used by courier fraudsters
Bank card expiry: Fraudsters claim to be from the victim’s bank and say their card is no longer valid. They ask for the pin number and then send a “courier” to collect the card before using it for fraudulent purposes.
Purchasing high end items: The suspects pretend to be police officers and ask the victim to help with an undercover operation by purchasing expensive items like watches, jewellery and gold. One the item is bought, the victim will hand over the item to the criminal.
Counterfeit cash/bank investigation: A person claiming to be a police or banking official informs the victim that they need to help with a banking corruption investigation. The victim is told to withdraw a large amount of money and the cash is picked up later by a courier to “check for fingerprints or to identify counterfeit bank notes”.
Computer takeover: The fraudster telephones the victim, purporting to be from their internet service provider, saying that they have had an issue with their internet connectivity and they are due compensation. The victim is persuaded to download a remote access application, giving the suspects access to their home computers. The fraudster persuades the victims into thinking that they have been paid too much compensation and the victims then withdraw cash to pay the money back, which is later collected by a courier.
Fraudsters are callous individuals and courier fraud is no exception. They prey on some of the most vulnerable and most trustworthy members of society. Victims of courier fraud typically tend to be between the ages of 70 to 89 years old, with women more likely to be targeted than men.
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.
We are recruiting!
We have two amazing opportunities for you, or someone you know, to join us! We are advertising for a Summer Intern to come and work with us for 12 weeks, as well as a Trading Standards Apprentice on a fixed term contract for 2 years. The internship will start on 13 June 2022 (or as close to this date as possible) and has been specifically designed for UK undergraduates who are seeking to gain and develop employability skills. However, we are now opening up this opportunity to anyone who is looking for a 12-week role during summer 2022 so you will not necessarily need to fit this criteria. You'll be working with us on a couple of projects, but will also get the opportunity to see all areas of our work. As a Trading Standards Apprentice you will be part of one of three demand teams, responding to complaints and enquires from the public and businesses. This will be combined with an 18-month structured training programme to develop your skills within a nationally recognised qualification (Regulatory Compliance Officer). You will carry out intelligence led project work including basic visits and informal sampling to ensure compliance with legislation. We enforce over 80 parliamentary Acts and 2000 supporting pieces of legislation covering areas including Animal Health and Welfare, Safety of products, Weights and Measures and Food safety and Labelling, as well as protecting vulnerable Consumers from doorstep traders and scams. No two days are the same!! Both opportunities offer great experience and you will get to work with a great team. Find out more about the roles and how to apply below (but be quick, the closing date is next week!):
Summer Intern: https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_1004/job/4918/
Trading Standards Apprentice: https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_1004/job/4426/
Horze are recalling horse riding vests
Horze are recalling horse riding vest models as they do not meet the required shock absorption, meaning that users may not receive sufficient protection should they fall from, or be injured by, a horse.
Models:
Horze Titan Children
Horze Titan Adults
Horze Verus Children
Horze Verus Adults
Article numbers 37057 and 37012.
The recall effects all riding vests of the above models sold since 1 January 2020.
We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.