Free call blockers: In partnership with trueCall, free call blockers are now available at: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team has secured funding to provide free* call blocking units to help protect people in receipt of scam and nuisance phone calls on their landline phone. Please note that there is a limited supply of call blocker units available. You can apply on behalf of someone else with their consent, or you can apply for yourself.
Rogue gardeners: We have reports of rogue gardeners active in the Sudbury area, informing residents that over hanging trees not on their property are their responsibility due to a change in the law in 2020. This is completely false. Please do not be persuaded into paying extortionate prices for tree cutting work on hedges and trees that do not belong to you. A consumer lost £700 to this scam. If you want gardening work undertaken, please get three quotes or recommendations from family and friends. Always check the credentials of any company that contacts you out of the blue. Always check any claims made, especially when the company are claiming to work with other agencies. Always check the IDs of anyone who visits your property, claiming to work for an organisation. Keep any paperwork they give you. Never agree to any work done until you have received a second opinion. If you have any concerns about a company that has contacted you, call us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Doorstep incident: We have received a report of a doorstep incident in Lowestoft on 4th August 2023, where three individuals approached an elderly resident and convinced them that a roof tile needed repairing, and they could do it for £30. The resident initially refused the work to be carried out, insisting that they need a quote. The trader ignored their request and became very pushy. The resident felt intimidated and agreed to have one tile repaired. Two of the traders went straight onto the roof and started to carry out work, doing more than was agreed. The traders then stated the work cost £1200, requiring the payment in cash. The resident refused and instead paid £900 by cheque. No cancellation rights were provided, and no paper work or business card was given. The trader claimed to be a local business based in Great Yarmouth, and also claimed to live in Norwich, all of which was false. Were you or a family member approached? Do you have any information on the traders calling, or a description of them or the vehicle(s) that were travelling in? 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, or giving warning about your property. Report all doorstep callers to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Cold calling: Protect yourself, your family and neighbours from doorstep callers by ordering a FREE No Cold Calling sticker from us. Email us with your name and address and we'll pop one in the post - tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk
Counterfeit clothes: Trading Standards Officers, assisted by police colleagues, attended Bury St Edmunds market on Wednesday 9 August and seized a quantity of clothing believed to be counterfeit from a trader. Brands included Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste. Investigations are continuing. Any members of the public who suspect counterfeit goods are being sold can report concerns to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Bird flu: Bird flu (avian influenza) viruses can infect mammals, including cats, dogs, ferrets and other pets. You should stop your pets from having close contact with:
- dead or sick wild birds, as they may be infected with bird flu
- droppings, feathers or carcases of wild birds
- feed and water bowls that wild birds could have accessed
Prevent your pets from eating, chewing on or playing with dead or sick birds. When walking your dog, keep them under effective control so they stay away from wild birds. This is particularly important in areas where bird flu has been found in wild birds. Look out for warning posters or other signs in these areas. You should not feed your pet non-commercial raw poultry meat, game bird, wildfowl or other wild bird meat. Commercial pet food is formulated for your specific type of pet and is the most appropriate diet. Feeding raw meat to pets can have potentially serious animal and public health risks.
If your pet is sick, you must tell your vet:
- if it has been in contact with wild birds or
- eaten non-commercial raw meat or non-commercial treats containing raw meat or unprocessed animal by products
Bosch recall: Bosch is recalling Styline Toasters due to a fire and injury risk. Bosch Toaster Styline models TAT8611GB and TAT8613GB from the production period January 2022 until May 2023 are affected. Quality checks have revealed a technical fault. Under certain circumstances, the technical fault can lead to the electronics overheating and may cause a toaster fire. Please check if your toaster is affected by following the instructions here: https://productsafety.bsh-group.com/gb/en/toaster