NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS: Information we have received suggests that a gang of Nottingham Knockers may be staying in Ipswich. This would lead us to believe they intend to target householders across the town over the coming days. Please share, and advise friends and family in the area! 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. These Nottingham Knockers work in groups across the country but they are not involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme and 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.
FAKE DELIVERIES: Watch out for FAKE delivery notices. There may be shipping notices, package delivery notices or "order status" emails. Report emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam - they can be checked. Forward emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk Your reports have helped to remove 200,000 malicious sites as of December 2022.
TAX REFUND SCAMS: 31st January was the HMRC Self-Assessment deadline. Fraudsters will take advantage of this, sending fake texts and emails offering a tax refund. REMEMBER!! HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information in a text. Do not open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC offering you a tax rebate. Click here to see examples of HMRC related phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts: www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples
PAPERCHASE GIFT CARDS: Sadly, the administrators for Paperchase have failed to find a buyer for the business. The administrators will continue trading the company’s operations in the short term, with all stores remaining open and trading as normal, however they have advised that although Paperchase will continue to honour gift cards, they strongly urge customers to redeem these as soon as possible. Gift cards will not be accepted after 2 weeks.
VALENTINE’S TREATS: There are so many Facebook and Instagram food businesses advertising the most beautiful looking treats for Valentine's Day. But, before you make your order, make sure you do your research, and also ensure you tell the business about any allergens. Is the business registered? Sellers who have not registered with or been inspected by their local councils could be putting the public at risk. Check their hygiene rating here: https://ratings.food.gov.uk/ Whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift, make sure you have communicated about any allergies or intolerances. Always check the descriptions online or call the business to ask what their policy is on food allergy and intolerance. Be clear about your allergy or intolerance when making your order and give examples of the foods that give you a reaction. Don’t assume that a food will be safe to eat without checking. Food businesses must offer you allergen information but are not required to offer you an alternative to suit your need. If you are selling food online it is a legal requirement to register your business with your local authority 28 days before you intend to trade. If you are already trading and have not registered you need to do so as soon as possible. Registering your business is free of charge: www.gov.uk/food-business-registration You should also be fully aware of the labelling requirements and the allergen management of the food that you sell online: www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance If you are a Food business and would like advice on the requirements, please call us via 0808 223 1133. If you are a consumer and concerned about how an online food business is operating, please call us with full details on the number above.
RECALL: Anker are recalling their 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20k) as the product presents a risk of fire. An internal defect can lead the battery to overheat. The negative temperature coefficient thermistors (“NTCs”) may have been misplaced during the production process. This causes the NTC to press on and damage the battery cell, which can lead to overheating of the power bank. If you have an Anker 535 Power Bank, stop using it immediately and contact Anker by email or telephone:
Email: support@anker.com
Telephone: 01604 936 200 (6AM-2PM Monday to Friday)