Petfishing: You may have heard of ‘Catfishing’, where a stranger creates a fictional online persona to lure someone into a relationship. Deceitful pet sellers use a similar tactic to ‘Petfish’ unsuspecting buyers. These unscrupulous sellers pretend that the puppy or kitten they’re selling you comes from a happy home. In reality, the animal may have been bred or kept in poor conditions. The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale and upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer. However, the pet does not materialise. The fraudster is then not contactable.
Tips to staying safe when purchasing pets:
- Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
- Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
- Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
- A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
- If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
- Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred.
- When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders.
Tips for buying a pet: https://getyourpetsafely.campaign.gov.uk/
The kitten checklist: http://www.thecatgroup.org.uk/pdfs/The-Kitten-Checklist.pdf
If you have been affected this or any other scam, please report it to us via 0808 223 1133.
Doorstep traders: We have received a report of traders going door to door in Stowmarket today, offering to clean driveways. Were you approached? Did you see any vehicle they were travelling in? If you have any information, please contact us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. 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 friends and family for recommendations of traders who have carried out work for them. You can also check Suffolk Trusted Trader for traders that have been vetted and approved by us: https://trustedtrader.team/Suffolk/
- ask for the full name & 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 in full once the work is completed to your satisfaction and don't pay cash
Do you shop online with Wowcher? The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation last year over concerns that Wowcher’s countdown timers and marketing claims could pressure shoppers to buy quickly for fear they’ll ‘miss out’, potentially spending more than they planned. Following CMA action, Wowcher will change the way it promotes products and services to customers – as well as providing over £4 million in refunds. The CMA were concerned that the overwhelming majority of products continued to be available once the daily countdown timer had ‘ended’. In November 2023, they wrote to Wowcher setting out their concerns and calling on the firm to change its practices – or else risk possible court action. Wowcher has signed formal commitments – known as ‘undertakings’ – meaning it will:
- only use clear and accurate countdown timers: Timers must not mislead consumers or give a false impression that they have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal. Wowcher will also remove its permanent countdown timer at the top of its homepage which states ‘Deals refresh in*: XX:XX:XX:XX’ and counts down to midnight, suggesting those deals may then change or end.
- make sure all marketing claims are clear and accurate: Claims about the scarcity of a deal – e.g. ‘Almost gone – only 2 remaining!’ – must accurately reflect Wowcher’s remaining stock levels, among other things. Claims about the popularity of a deal – e.g. ‘In high demand!’ – must accurately reflect Wowcher’s sales figures, as well as how popular a deal is compared to other similar deals.
- refund customers who were signed up to ‘VIP membership’ via a pre-ticked box: Wowcher will provide a credit refund – with the option to exchange to cash – to over 870,000 customers and will stop the use of pre-ticked boxes for VIP sign-ups, to ensure customers are fully aware of what they are agreeing to. Based on information provided by Wowcher, the CMA expects refunds for those affected will total over £4 million.
If you were signed up to Wowcher's VIP service via a pre-ticked box at the checkout, a £4.99 refund will be automatically credited to your Wowcher account by Wednesday 14 August – look out for an email or text from Wowcher confirming this. The credit will be valid for one year from the date it was issued. Once the credit is in your account, you'll then be able to request for it to be paid as cash by contacting Wowcher through its WhatsApp service, or via Twitter or Facebook. Alternatively, you'll be able to spend the credit on Wowcher if you prefer.
If a company goes out of business, it leaves many questions on whether you can get your money back or get the work you’ve paid for done. There’s no guarantee you’ll get what you paid for but there are some steps you can take. Make sure you find out what’s happening with the business and who’s the administrator or receiver - the person who is dealing with settling the business’ debts. Advice and the steps you should take can be found here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/if-a-company-stops-trading-or-goes-out-of-business/
A chat about scams today can help keep the criminals away! Talking about scams you’ve seen or sharing scam awareness messages will help to protect others. Tell friends to sign up to receive this weekly email here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/become-a-consumer-champion
Renting a new place? Avoid rental scams!
- Research the property and landlord
- Avoid upfront payments
- Always visit the property
- Verify ownership
- Use reputable rental platforms.
Do you know if your email address has been compromised in a data breach? You can easily check here: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
Product Recall for Donald and Daisy Duck Figurines presenting a risk of choking. The product presents a risk of choking as it is possible for the heads on the Donald and Daisy Duck figurines to detach, producing a small part. The model number for the Fisher-Price Little People Mickey and Friends figure pack sold in the U.K. is HPJ88. The model number can be found on the bottom of the Goofy figure. Owners of the product should stop using the Donald and Daisy Duck figures and keep them out of reach of children. Further information can be accessed on the Mattel website: https://service.mattel.com/uk/recall/Donald_Duck_UK_.pdf
Fisher-Price has received three reports in the United States of the head of the Donald Duck or Daisy Duck figures detaching while in use. No injuries have been reported.