Doorstep traders: We have received a report of individuals going door to door in and around Long Melford this week, and Newmarket last week, offering landscaping work. Were you approached? Did you see the vehicle they were travelling in? Our advice is to never deal with traders on your doorstep. Do your research before agreeing to have any work carried out. Don't be fooled by sign printed vans, glossy leaflets and a website.
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 BEFORE the work is started
- only pay once the work is completed to your satisfaction, don't pay up front for materials, don't pay cash
If you have any information, or if you have been approached by doorstep callers, please contact us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Counterfeit DVDs: John Williams, 72 of Pot Kiln Road, Great Cornard has pleaded guilty to two offences related to the sale, supply and manufacturer of counterfeit DVDs. Williams first became known to Suffolk Trading Standards when they received a report of fake cult and classic DVDs being sold on a website. Test purchases were carried out with the Trade Mark and Copyright holder confirming them to be counterfeit. Titles examined included Wonder Woman 1984, Shazam, X Men Apocalypse and the TV programmes The Strange World of Gurney Slade and Dial 999. Over 40,000 DVD were seized from Mr Williams’ home in October 2021 alongside computers, disc burners, a colour photo copier with some print outs of DVD box paper insert sleeves and address label stickers. Forensic analysis of the seized computers found that Williams had sold fake DVDRs when attending numerous Film and TV fairs, mainly in London and that he had a wide network of customers he sold discs to, both in the UK and abroad. Appearing at Ipswich Crown Court today, John Williams pleaded guilty to one offence under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998 and one under the Trademark Act 1994. Sentencing will be on 24 July 2023. Councillor Andrew Reid, cabinet member responsible for Public Health and Public Protection, said: “I congratulate Trading Standards who worked hard to bring this matter to Court, and I would like to extend my thanks to the Film Content Protection Agency and the National Trading Standards eCrime team for their assistance.” Simon Brown, Director of the UK’s Film Content Protection Agency (FCPA), said: “Mr Williams, as the seller of counterfeit DVDs online, not only deceived hundreds of people but also resulted in him misappropriating thousands of pounds. Many people think copyright theft is a victimless crime and that buying a counterfeit DVD or streaming a pirate film online has no direct consequences. However, this is quite simply not the case; not only does film piracy deprive the creative industries and UK economy of millions of pounds a year, but it also detrimentally impacts the livelihoods of thousands of people who work in and support the industry. I want to thank Suffolk Trading Standards for their work in this case which has led to the conviction of Mr Williams. FCPA will continue to work with Suffolk Trading Standards to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from falling victim to intellectual property crime.”
Anyone wanting to report the sale of illegal goods should contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Mortgage fraud: Criminals are using mortgage offers “as low as 2.39%” to lure people into phishing scams. Action Fraud has received 538 reports in two weeks relating to fake emails purporting to be from mortgage lenders. The emails claim to offer limited-time deals to low-rate mortgages. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information. If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don't use the numbers or address in the message - use details from their official website. Your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email. Always forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk Your reports have resulted in the removal of 235,000 malicious websites as of May 2023.
Young Consumer Influencer of the Year: Are you aged 13-17 and have creative flair? Raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks, dangerous products or fireworks by creating a song, poem, story or rap and you could win money for yourself and your school or youth group! Winners will be crowned at the House of Commons in November. Find out more: www.tradingstandards.uk/news-policy/campaigns/young-consumer-influencer-of-the-year-2023 Submit your entries by 30 September 2023.
Recall: Stanley Black & Decker are recalling DEWALT and STANLEY Fiberglass Sledgehammers as the head of the sledgehammers can loosen prematurely and detach unexpectedly during use, posing an impact injury hazard to the user.
DEWALT Fiberglass sledgehammers:
DWHT56141 / 2 lb Fiberglass Drilling Hammer
DWHT56142 / 3 lb Fiberglass Drilling Hammer
DWHT56143 / 2-1/2 lb Fiberglass Engineering Hammer
DWHT56146 / 2-1/2 lb Fiberglass Blacksmith Hammer
DWHT56147 / 4 lb Fiberglass Blacksmith Hammer
DWHT56148 / 4lb Fiberglass Engineering Hammer
DWHT56024 / 4 lb Drilling Sledgehammer - Hollow Handle
DWHT56025 / 4 lb BS Sledgehammer - Hollow Handle
DWHT56026 / 4 lb ENG Sledgehammer - Hollow Handle
DWHT56027 / 6 lb Sledgehammer - Hollow Handle
DWHT56029 / 10 lb Sledge 36"Hammer - Hollow Handle
DWHT56030 / 12 lb Sledgehammer - Hollow Handle
STANLEY Fiberglass sledgehammers:
FMHT56006 / 3 lb Drilling Hammer
FMHT56008 / 4 lb Blacksmith Hammer
FMHT56009 / 4 lb Engineer Hammer
FMHT56010 / 6 lb FATMAX Sledgehammer
FMHT56011 / 8 lb FATMAX Sledgehammer
FMHT56019 / 10 lb FATMAX Sledgehammer
If you own any of the affected units STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY and follow the instructions on the Stanley Black & Decker webpage to obtain a reimbursement: www.sledgehammerrecall.expertinquiry.com/