Suffolk Trading Standards is urging people to keep the heat on cold callers and not sign up for work on the doorstep following a spate of incidents across the County.
Kessingland – A trader called at a property offering various home improvement services. The resident was looking to have a conservatory installed which the trader advised that they could do and could provide a quote. The trader returned later in the day and stayed for more than four hours until the resident agreed to have the work carried out and paid a 25% deposit. The consumer has since tried to contact representatives of the company and cannot get any reply.
Brandon – A consumer contacted a trader who had delivered leaflets in the area to look at a leak in their roof. The trader visited and advised there were two broken tiles which would cost £2,000. Work started the next day and the trader then advised that a new roof was required and quoted £29,900 to remove all roof tiles, felts, batons and repointing and rebuilding chimney, to install new tiles and batons and install a new ridge system. The resident paid £9,000 deposit by cheque. The trader then advised that new beams and insulation would also be required at a further cost of £800. The trader requested two cheques for £13,000 and £8,000 but asked for the payee details to be left blank. Thankfully, the customer’s bank became suspicious and froze the cheques.
Bury St Edmunds – A doorstep caller persuaded a resident to change their broadband provider after a sales pitch lasting two hours, only leaving after the resident finally caved in just to get rid of them. The resident has now been without a phone and call alarm service for five weeks.
Hadleigh – A doorstep caller convinced the elderly individual to have foil insulation installed, despite the property being a new-build bungalow. £7,600 was paid. The client’s son later learned of the installation and on investigating found only half the loft space had had the insulation added. He also found old insulation had not been removed and was in perfect condition.
Sudbury - Trading Standards Officers attended a property after receiving a call to advise that rogue traders may be present. The traders had contacted the resident to advise that spray foam insulation that was installed last year needed to be removed. The traders quoted £9,000, which they then reduced to £7,600 and reduced again to £4,650. No paperwork had been supplied to the resident. Officers were able to stop work and ensured that no money was paid. Investigations continue.
Following the above incidents and more listed in the article below, we are urging anyone thinking of having home improvement work done to use a business recommended by friends or family, who have had the same work carried out, or to use a business that has been vetted and approved under the Suffolk Trusted Trader scheme. Residents can also protect themselves and their neighbours by nominating their area to become a No Cold Calling Zone, of which there are now more than 200 across Suffolk.
Find out more about recent rogue doorstep trader incidents here: www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/residents-advised-dont-do-business-with-cold-callers
Find a Suffolk Trusted Trader by searching the directory: https://trustedtrader.team/Suffolk/
Genuine trusted traders can find out more about joining the scheme here: https://trustedtrader.team/Suffolk/signup
Protect yourself and your neighbours by nominating you area to be a No Cold Calling Zone: www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/fair-trading/no-cold-calling-zones
Software updates are the first line of defence against malware and cyber criminals. Are your devices running the latest software? Protect your devices against the latest threats by installing software updates. Here are some useful links on how to update your device.
iPhone/iPad: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204204
Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201541
Windows 10/11: https://support.microsoft.com/.../update-windows-3c5ae7fc
With summer approaching, are you thinking of booking festival, gig or sports tickets? Criminals target those looking for tickets to commit ticketing fraud. Always access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it into your web browser and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media posts. Use the secure payment method recommended by reputable online retailers and auction sites.
Could you spot a loan shark? The illegal Money Leading Team are offering free online training in June and July to help you learn how to spot the signs and what to do. The training covers basic information about illegal money lending as well as discussion of the legislation and Government Agencies responsible for regulation and investigation around money lending. Follow on training is also available to encourage participants to reflect on barriers that might make it harder for people to seek help. Please find the free training sessions available via the links below.
Introductory Training ‘How to spot a loan shark’ - www.eventbrite.com/cc/illegal-money-lending-introductory-training-1478579
Follow on Training (Introductory training should be completed first) - www.eventbrite.com/cc/illegal-money-lending-follow-on-training-1481489
Recall of Seaside Squad Flashing Rings (various characters) sold exclusively at Haven Holiday Parks. The rings pose a choking and chemical hazard. The product presents a chemical risk and risk of choking and injuries as the toy rings can come apart, allowing easy access to the button cell batteries inside. The batteries may be placed in the mouth and swallowed, presenting a choking hazard for young children, and causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Batch: 022024
Barcodes: 617285318722 (George), 617285318715 (Rory), 617285318739 (Jaz), 617285318708 (Annie)
Affected dates/sales period: Sold throughout Haven Parks and Funshops / Wondershops / Mini Markets between the 1st March 2024 and 3rd June 2024
If possible, please return to a retail outlet at the Haven Park you purchased it from or alternatively, dispose of the product and batteries safely. Customers can contact RWS Global (TED) with any questions or concerns at retailhello@rwsglobal.com