Duster Sellers: We’ve had reports that doorstep callers known as "Nottingham Knockers" or "duster sellers" are calling at properties in and around Haverhill, Sudbury and Long Melford. 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
Black Friday: Everyone wants the deal of a lifetime on Black Friday, including potential scammers - to them, an unwitting shopper is the perfect present. To help you navigate the online Black Friday sales and avoid becoming easy prey, we’ve got some tips to bear in mind.
Buy from traders you know and trust - When it comes to shopping online, it's always safest to stick to familiar shops and brands that you know you can trust.
Do some digging - There are some stores online that aren’t mainstream brands but are still trustworthy places to shop. If you feel you must shop with an unknown trader, make sure you research them first. Usually, the best thing to do is look for reviews of the website and a reliable way to contact the site owner that isn’t just email in the event your delivery goes wrong. The most obvious things to look out for that signal a scam website are, firstly, website quality and copy/editorial quality.
Pay securely - No matter where you’re shopping, always use a secure form of payment. This means opt for a credit card, a debit card, or even PayPal over any direct money transfers. Credit card is probably the most secure option in terms of shopper rights as you can dispute charges made if your item never arrives or dispute any suspicious charges generally.
Don't click on strange links - It doesn’t matter whether you’re on your laptop or on your phone or whether the link appears in your email inbox or pops up on your Facebook News Feed, don’t click any strange or unfamiliar ad links.
Update your antivirus software - Make sure your antivirus and phone software is up to date so that you don’t fall victim to any kind of malware is lying in wait.
Know your consumer rights - Check the retailers return policy, but also ensure you are fully aware of what your consumer rights are should anything go wrong - https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act-aKJYx8n5KiSl
If you need advice, to report a scam or an unsafe product, contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Fake Ads: Fake ads are increasingly used by criminals posing as legitimate brands or sellers, leading consumers to pay for products that don’t exist or are counterfeit. These ads often appear in the form of:
Phantom ads - for products that aren’t real
Hijacked ads - where criminals duplicate legitimate ads with fake contact details, and;
Bait-and-switch - tactics that promote one product but deliver something inferior or unsafe.
Fake ads can lead to financial loss, poor-quality products, and in some cases, support criminal networks. Knowing the signs can help consumers avoid these traps and shop safely. To avoid becoming a victim of a fake advert, watch out for these common warning signs:
Check the website and URL: Fake ads often link to websites with unusual URLs, misspelled brand names, or extra symbols. Look for secure indicators like "https://" and always verify the site’s legitimacy before entering any payment information.
Beware of unrealistic discounts: If an ad offers massive discounts that seem too good to be true, it likely is. Scammers use extremely low prices to lure buyers quickly—cross-check prices with the official brand website to confirm authenticity.
Check for red flags in the ad quality: Real brands use high[1]quality images, professional language, and accurate details. Ads with blurry images, poor grammar, or urgent language pushing you to “buy now” are likely fake.
Find out more here: www.consumerfriend.org.uk/blogs/forfakessake
International Fraud Awareness Week is November 17–23, 2024. During this week, organisations share information, advice, and tips on how to spot signs of fraud and keep yourself and others safe.
Here are some ways to get involved in fraud awareness:
Be Scam Aware: Stay aware of scams all year round.
Report scams: If you feel you have been the victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Share stories: Share your stories about scams to help raise awareness.
Become a Trading Standards Champion: Make sure you are receiving this weekly email directly by signing up here: www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight
Take a Stand against scams: Complete the Friends Against Scams online training which aims to raise awareness of this type of fraud to help protect yourself and others against scams. https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/online-awareness-training
Cheap gifts from unknown sellers on online marketplaces can come from anywhere in the world and can be dangerous. So, to help you shop safely online this festive season the Child Accident Prevention Trust have highlighted 8 dangerous gifts to avoid. https://capt.org.uk/8-dangerous-gifts-to-avoid-this-christmas
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be detected by human senses. Basic household appliances such as cookers, boilers, stoves and fireplaces can all produce carbon monoxide. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to stay safe: https://www.coalarmssavelives.com/about-carbon-monoxide
Following a deep dive into the sector, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued an interim report outlining concerns regarding the infant formula market – all of which appear to be contributing to parents paying over the odds. These relate to:
the unintended consequences of the regulations designed to support important public health goals
a lack of timely, clear and impartial information for parents and carers about formula
companies’ responses to regulations around marketing – and how this impacts their pricing
limited competition on formula prices in shops
The report also outlines several potential options for addressing these issues, such as giving parents better information earlier and reshaping regulations. Interested parties, including stakeholders, consumers and the industry at large, can make submissions to the CMA on the potential remedies outlined in the interim report. Feedback can be provided by 29 November 2024 and will feed into the CMA’s ongoing review as it moves towards its final report – expected in February 2025. More information is available on the CMA’s Infant Formula Market Study case page https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/infant-formula-and-follow-on-formula-market-study.
Product Recall: Tesco is recalling Tesco Tzatziki Dip because Salmonella has been found in the product.
Tesco Tzatziki Dip
Pack size: 200g
Use by: 24 November 2024
If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. For more information contact Tesco Customer Services on 0800 505 555.
Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.