Covid scams: We are hearing further reports across the Country of people being contacted out of the blue with offers of a coronavirus vaccination.
Most recently reports have been of a text message that purports to be from the NHS, which contains a link that takes you to a website that looks very similar in design to that of the genuine NHS website. The website is bogus, and asks you to provided a banking card to make a payment.
There have also been reports of elderly residents receiving a call to advise that their vaccination would be carried out at their home, and that the caller required their name, address and also financial details to pay for the vaccine.
Other reports relate to a recorded voice message on the telephone and the recipient is required to respond by pressing 1 when receiving the call. They are then asked to give personal information, as well as financial details to book their vaccination.
THESE ARE SCAMS.
Criminals are exploiting the current situation to attempt to steal personal details and your money.
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. These people will be contacted by the NHS.
NO PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THE VACCINE.
There has been a surge worldwide of vaccine related phishing email scams. We expect to see an increase in these.
Phishing emails seen have contained malicious files that installed malware, or links to bogus websites to obtain the victim's information.
Protect yourself from vaccine-themed phishing campaigns by checking the email addresses on incoming messages and be alert to hyperlinks that contain misspelled domain names; be aware of highly emotive language designed to manipulate you; do not supply login credentials or personal information in response to an email; monitor key financial accounts regularly; and keep software and apps updated.
Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
DOOR TO DOOR SALES ARE NOT ALLOWED! In the past few days we have received three reports of traders going door to door in Beccles, Haverhill and Woodbridge, offering home improvement and cleaning services.
Tier 4 and lockdown restrictions mean that door to door sales are not permitted, and sales activities should be carried out remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail).
If you are approached at the door and are not expecting a caller, our advice is not to answer.
Report all doorstep sellers to us via 0808 223 1133, or to Suffolk Police by dialling 101 or online here https://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something
Business support: During these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever that you and your businesses can get to the right support as quickly as possible.
That's where the government Business Support Helpline comes in.
Speak to one of their advisers today for free, impartial business support.
Your business can get advice and financial help from government-backed schemes. Get financial support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). You can also get:
- help with tax
- regional help with exporting
- advice on writing a business plan
- advice on new rules following the end of the Brexit transition
You can contact the government’s Business Support Helpline for free advice via:
Email: enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org
Telephone: 0800 998 1098
You can also find free support, advice and sources of finance through New Anglia Growth Hub.
How can I protect myself from postal scams?
- Contact the Mailing Preference Service to have your name taken off direct mailing lists in the UK (this won’t cover mail that is unaddressed or from overseas).
- Put a ‘no junk mail’ sign on your door. You can make this sign yourself or buy one online.
- If you receive something you think may be a scam, don’t respond, and throw it away. You can join the Scam Marshal scheme that encourages you to send them your scam mail so they can help catch the scammers.
- You can avoid being added to mailing lists which scammers sometimes get hold of. When you register to vote, tick the box to opt out of the ‘edited register’ (also known as the ‘open register’) as this can be used to send unsolicited marketing mail.
- Always check the credentials of any company or legal professional you're unsure about.
- If you have received or are receiving something that looks like scam mail, talk about it with someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, or call us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Although many people feel embarrassed about falling for a scam, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Many people fall victim to scams, and fraudsters have a range of techniques to trick people and are trying new scams all the time.
If you think you have given a scammer your financial details, contact you bank immediately.
Report the scam to us via 0808 223 1133.
Contact Victim Support if a scam has made you feel anxious, fearful or guilty. They provide emotional and practical help to victims of crimes and scams.
Websites: Are you aware of the tactics used by criminals to trick you into parting with your money and information? The creation of spoof websites that imitate those of trusted organisations by using their official branding and logos are used by criminals to obtain your personal and financial information. These may also include small changes to the website’s URL which can be hard to spot at first.
Protect your money from falling into the hands of criminals by avoiding clicking on links in emails and texts. Instead login to your account directly using a secure webpage or app. You can also contact an organisation directly using a known email or number for further support.
If you receive a scam email forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726. If a scam text claims to be from your bank, then you should also report it to them.
Make sure any websites you’re purchasing from are authentic by carefully checking the address is spelled correctly.
Criminals can set up convincing websites with spelled addresses very similar to the authentic one, so it’s important you #TakeFive and access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it into your web browser, instead of clicking on links.
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct such as the one listed on the back of your debit/credit card and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or to Trading Standards by calling 0808 223 1133.
Poultry: New poultry housing measures are now in force. It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate Avian Influenza.
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and using effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
- minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
The new housing measures will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks.
The introduction of these new measures follows a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in the UK.
More advice and information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Recalls: Lidl is recalling Red Hen Breaded Chicken Nuggets and Red Hen Southern Fried Chicken Pops because salmonella contamination has been found in some of the products in the batch.
Red Hen Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Pack size: 450g
Best before: End: February 2022
Red Hen Southern Fried Chicken Pops
Pack size: 210g
Best before: 05 February 2022
If you have bought any of the above products do not consume them. Instead, return them to a Lidl GB store for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Alternatively, dispose of the product and email customer.services@lidl.co.uk, including photo of the affected product with Best Before Date and Lot Code. The team will process this refund via letter.
If you need advice, or want to report a scam or rogue trader, call Suffolk Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133.