In Stowmarket officers seized 95 packs of illegal hand-rolling tobacco and 300 packets of illegal cigarettes. 187 non-compliant vapes were also seized. The illegal tobacco was found in a concealment by Sky the sniffer dog, who is trained to detect hidden compartments of cigarettes and tobacco. In Ipswich officers seized 32 packs of illegal hand-rolling tobacco, 92 packets of illegal cigarettes and 157 non-compliant vapes. The illegal tobacco was hidden under the counter and in the storeroom. The vapes seized at both stores did not meet the legal requirements, including some which offered as many as 9,000 puffs when a legal vape would offer around 600. All the tobacco products are suspected to be illegally imported into the UK without duty being paid and do not comply with the legal packaging and labelling requirements. Several of them are also suspected to be counterfeits of popular brands. The seized products will now be fully assessed as part of the investigations to determine the exact offences that have been committed, and the action that will be taken. Anyone who suspects that a shop is selling illegal tobacco or unsafe e-cigarettes and vaping liquids, or making sales of age-restricted products to children can report this in confidence to Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Beware of fraudsters calling you and claiming to be your mobile service provider. A Suffolk resident was contacted out of the blue by an individual claiming to be from O2. The caller advised that the resident was eligible for a reduction in their monthly bill and that they would receive a watch as a gift. After confirming personal and financial details the caller advised that the gift would be received in the post. Shortly after the resident received a package. The parcel contained a new mobile phone, rather than the promised watch. The resident called on the number they had been given and an address was provided to send the mobile phone to, with the guarantee to reimburse the cost of postage. Sadly, the resident soon discovered they had been a victim of fraudsters impersonating O2, when they received messages indicating their Apple ID was being used on a new iPhone. A further check on their account and they discovered a new contract for a mobile phone had been taken out in their name.
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.
This week we have received reports that doorstep callers known as "Nottingham Knockers" or "duster sellers" were calling at properties in and around Long Melford, Glemsford and Clare. 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. 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.
The individuals work in groups across the country pretending to be working on behalf of a charity, to support their family, or that they are ex-offenders working as part of a rehabilitation scheme. 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. If you would like to receive a FREE No Cold Calling sticker for your door, please email us with your address on trading.standards@suffolk.gov.uk
As Euro 2024 kicks off today, we are warning fans looking for last minute tickets to look out for the tell-tale signs of ticket fraud. Don't fall foul! The only way to guarantee tickets for EURO 2024 is through the official UEFA EURO 2024 ticket website: https://euro2024.com/tickets Tickets for sale on other platforms may be non-existent or fake and leave you out of pocket! Any individual with a counterfeit ticket will be refused entry. Last year 53 people in Suffolk reported they had been a victim of ticket fraud, with a total of £39,443 lost. This works out at an average loss of £744 per report.
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Product recall for counterfeit anti-choking devices sold via Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Alibaba, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace and DesertCart presenting a risk of choking. Anti-choking devices are intended to alleviate choking incidents after Basic Life Support protocols have been attempted and failed. Counterfeit and unbranded anti-choking devices may pose a significant risk of worsening choking if used. These devices should not be used in the event of a choking emergency and should be disposed of once identified as counterfeit or non-compliant. Counterfeit and unbranded anti-choking devices appear similar in design to the genuine LifeVac anti-choking device, and primarily originate from China. No genuine anti-choking devices marketed in the UK are manufactured in China. Use of a counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking device carries a significant risk of failure to work, and may worsen the situation by further pushing obstructions down the airway passage due to their poor design and quality. Additionally, the instructions supplied with the product do not sufficiently communicate the warnings, steps and considerations to take into account for appropriate and safe use of these devices. The counterfeit products do not meet the requirements of the UK Medical Device Regulations 2002 or the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. The product has been recalled from end users by Amazon, and customers notified. Listings have been removed by the following online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Alibaba, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace and DesertCart. Owners should check that your anti-choking device is genuine using the provided guidance. Do not use the anti-choking device in the event of a choking emergency if you suspect that the device you have purchased is a counterfeit or unbranded copy of the legitimate LifeVac anti-choking device. Ensure that you dispose of counterfeit products safely.