Doorstep callers: Please be alert. There have been reports of doorstep callers in the Felixstowe and Trimley area offering driveway work this week. These individuals were going door to door, and have were seen travelling in a black car. We also received reports of a trader going door to door in the Kesgrave area, offering to steam clean driveways. This man was in a white van with sign writing on the side, and a foreign number plate. If you are approached at the door, please do not engage with these individuals. Simply say "No thank you" and close your door. Report any doorstep incidents to us via 0808 223 1133. Here's some top tips for dealing with doorstep callers: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/fair-trading/rogue-traders
Suffolk has been targeted by various rogues over the last few weeks as Covid-19 restrictions have started to ease. We have received reports of fish sellers, Nottingham Knockers, traders offering various home maintenance work including work to driveways and roofing, as well as those taking advantage of the pandemic and posing as bogus officials. 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. We can help stop such traders calling at your property, and those in your community.
We have produced No Cold Calling stickers that can be displayed on your door. If you would like one, please email us with your address to tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk, and we will pop it in the post to you.
To give greater protection to you and your neighbours, we would recommend that you nominate your road to become a No Cold Calling Zone. This is a geographical area where residents have identified that they do not want visits from unsolicited or 'cold' callers. Find out more about the scheme here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/fair-trading/no-cold-calling-zones/ To nominate your road to become a No Cold Calling Zone email us on tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk with your address, and we can then start the process.
If you are approached by a doorstep caller, please do not engage. Close the door and report them to us by contacting Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 0808 223 1133.
Beware of these fake BT emails: The message informs the recipient that their account has been suspended and payment declined. The link goes to a fake BT log in page. If you receive the email DO NOT click on the link.
Report scam emails: To report scam emails, forward the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk. An automated system run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will scan the email, and if malicious links are found, the associated website will be taken down. If you think you have responded to a scam email and provided any financial details, contact you bank immediately. Report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133.
Covid-19 tests: We have received reports of individuals calling at doors in Mid-Suffolk and East Suffolk offering doorstep Covid-19 testing. They may still be in the area, or could have moved on elsewhere in the County.These fraudsters are taking advantage of the pandemic, to extort money, or to gain access to your home.
❌ Do not let them in.
❌ Do not pay for a testing kit.
❌ Do not provide them with any personal details.
Report any cold callers to us via 0808 223 1133. For information on how to get tested in Suffolk, visit the dedicated page on Suffolk County Council's website: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-testing-in-suffolk/
Businesses opening: Spas, nail, beauty and tanning salons, massage and tattoo studios, as well as body piercing services can all open their doors to clients today.
Updated COVID-19 secure guidance sets out the measures that those providing close contact services should follow to protect staff and customers. Only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone – directly in front of the face – should be made available to clients. No treatments are to be provided on the face until government advice changes. Examples of such services would include the following, though this list is not exhaustive: face waxing, sugaring or threading services; facial treatments; advanced facial technical (electrical or mechanical); eyelash treatments; make-up application; dermarolling; dermaplaning; microblading; electrolysis on the face; eyebrow treatments; intricate detailing, outlining or shaving of beards; advanced beauty therapy and aesthetic treatments.
Information for businesses can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Please call us on 0808 223 1133 if you need advice on whether you can open your business, or to report a business that you believe should be closed.
Courgette seeds: Mr Fothergill's Seeds Limited are recalling a batch of courgette zucchini seeds as some seeds have been reported to produce bitter tasting fruits. Ingesting the fruits in any quantity could cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea or sickness, so please discard the plant. It is recommended that if you have grown this variety from a packet with the batch code I that you do not ingest the fruits without taste testing for bitterness. A taste-test is a safe thing to do to detect if you have an affected plant which will be extremely bitter. More information can be found here: https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Home/Product-Recall-MRF/#.XwygzihKiM8
If you need advice, or want to report a scam or rogue trader, call Suffolk Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133.