Can you help: We have received a report of residents in Brantham being approached on Friday 29th July by traders offering to clean their driveway. Were you approached? If so, can you supply any information on the individuals or the vehicles that they were travelling in? Call us via 0808 223 1133.
Citizens Advice scammers: Beware of scammers telephoning you claiming to be from Citizens Advice, offering help on debt and unsecured loans. A Felixstowe resident received a call this week from an individual stating that they could help them claim money back from their unsecured loans. Citizens Advice will NEVER cold call you. If you need help with debt or money, Citizens Advice have lots of information available on their website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/ or you can contact your local Citizens Advice. Report scams to us via 0808 223 1133.
WhatsApp scams: The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public about the continued increase in reports about scams where victims are targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know – typically their children. Between 3rd February 2022 and 21st June 2022, there have been a total of 1235 reports made to Action Fraud linked to this scam, with total reported losses exceeding £1.5mn. Criminals will usually begin the conversation with “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad” and will say that they are texting from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged. They will then ask for money to purchase a new one, or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill. The criminal will provide bank details for the payment to be made to, with some coming back with further demands for money. If you receive a message like this from a friend or family member, don’t send any money until you’ve had a chance to call them and confirm their identity. Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
How to protect yourself:
STOP. THINK. CALL.
If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions. Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the six-digit code you receive via SMS).
Bird flu: An outbreak of Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the East of England at a premises in Central Bedfordshire. Please continue to practise high standards of biosecurity even in the Summer months. The risk of wild birds carrying the disease remains high. All it takes is for wild bird droppings to land in your birds’ outdoor area or rain water to wash infection in. The virus can survive for weeks in the soil and in the water so there remains a very real risk to your birds. It’s vital to deter wild birds from your premises by feeding your birds undercover and using bird scarers. Bird flu can be spread by birds like gulls, which may be attracted to places where chickens, ducks and geese and other birds are kept. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Loan sharks: Whilst the summer holidays may be in full swing, some families are already feeling the pinch with sending their children back to school. The cost of uniforms can be a real worry for many families, who are already under increasing pressure from the rising cost of living. According to The Children’s Society, the average uniform costs £315 per primary school pupil and £337 per secondary pupil. Families who are struggling to make ends meet could be at risk of falling prey to predatory lenders who offer quick cash loans at astronomical rates. These loans can lead people into long-term financial hardship, with exorbitant interest rates as high as 100,000% and threats that leave borrowers trapped in a cycle of debt for years. Loan sharks prey on all vulnerabilities, from emotional to financial or psychological. They’ll do whatever it takes to get their money, no matter how ruthless and deadly the tactics. It’s important for parents to know about the dangers of loan sharks so they can protect themselves from opportunistic lenders and avoid falling into a vicious trap. A recent study by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) revealed that more than one million people could be in debt to loan sharks in England. Nearly half of people who borrow from illegal lenders use the cash for everyday expenses and household bills, including the purchase of school uniforms and prams. Warning signs to indicate that you could be dealing with a loan shark include giving no paperwork upon the agreement of a loan, refusing to give detailed information about a loan, intimidation and threats, taking items such as a bank card or passport until the debt is paid, and taking things from you if you do not pay on time.
Financial help available for families …
If you’re on a low income, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school.
Many schools offer support to families who need financial assistance with uniforms, for example by giving you vouchers towards the cost.
It's also worth checking if your school has any second-hand uniform sales – this can be a good way to pick up lower-priced uniform at a fraction of the retail cost.
Check if your child can get free school meals in England and find out how to apply on your local authority’s website.
Check to see if you’re claiming all the help you’re entitled to, there may be some benefits you aren’t aware you’d be eligible for. Use the free and confidential Turn2Us Benefits Calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim.
Borrowing from loan sharks can easily lead to disastrous consequences. Credit unions are a safer option for those in need of short-term loans. If you need to borrow money, contact your local credit union for help. If you’re struggling with debt, you’re not alone and it’s never too late to seek help. There are many agencies, such as Citizens Advice, StepChange Debt Charity and National Debtline that can provide expert advice and support. If you or someone you know has been affected by loan sharks, you can access confidential advice and support on the Stop Loan Sharks 24-Hour Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or use their secure online form.
Units of measurement: Central Government is calling on businesses, trade associations, enforcement authorities, consumers, and consumer organisations to provide views on the consultation to review units of measurement for consumer transactions. The deadline to add your comments is 11pm on 26 August 2022. You can read the Government consultation document and respond online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/choice-on-units-of-measurement-markings-and-sales
Recalls: M and M Direct are recalling four styles of Sketchers Junior Joggers as the drawcord is too long, which could lead to injuries caused by entrapment or ischaemia (i.e. inadequate blood supply). The product has been identified as presenting a risk of entrapment because the functional draw cord measures longer than the permissible limit of 20 cm, which is specified in the relevant standard. A young child may become entrapped by the cord, for example by playground equipment. The child may sustain injuries such as ischaemia or bruising before being freed. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
SK30153 - Skechers Junior Effie Stripe Joggers Black
SK30110 - Skechers Junior Candi Rib Fleece Joggers Black
SK30112 - Skechers Junior Reni Lace Joggers Dusty Pink
SK30105 - Skechers Junior Bryson Tape Fleece Joggers Navy
If you have purchased any of these items and not already responded to their safety alert emails, please contact product-recall@mandmdirect.com to arrange a free return and refund.