BANK SCAM: Have you received a scam message pretending to be from your bank? Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (it's free of charge).
iPhone or iPad: How to forward a text message:
- Take a note of the number that sent you the message.
- Press and hold on the message bubble.
- Tap More.
- Select the message or messages you want to forward.
- Tap the arrow on the bottom right of your screen.
- Input 7726 and send.
Android: How to forward a text message:
- Take a note of the number that sent you the message.
- Enter the conversation then press and hold on the message bubble.
- Tap on the three vertical dots on the top right of your screen.
- Tap Forward.
- Input 7726 and send.
If 7726 doesn’t work, you can find out how to report a text message by contacting your phone provider. You can also take a screenshot or screen recording of the text message and send it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
REMOTE WORKING: With many people experiencing job losses or reduced income, people are looking for remote working jobs to bring in extra money. As such, we want to highlight the common scams that job seekers may experience to ensure you don't get caught out. Scammers may reach out offering a job that promises a large amount of income for a small amount of work. If you respond, they may request you to provide them with a small amount of money for training or special equipment. Or they may request your bank account information so they can directly deposit your funds. In reality, there is no job, or the work provided has many hurdles to jump, that means you won't get made. The work itself could involve filling envelopes, assembling products or selling goods or services through your own website. In some cases, fraudsters may tell you there are faults with what you’ve done to avoid paying you. In other cases, the products you’ve bought or made are worthless. Many of these business opportunities only allow you to earn money if you introduce more people to it. These are known as pyramid schemes. In other cases, they will just take the money or the information you give them and use it to steal whatever money you have left. That's not to say there aren't legitimate work-from-home opportunities out there. You just have to do your research to make sure you're dealing with a real company. Do some research on the company and don't be afraid to contact it and ask questions before accepting a position, especially if it's asking for sensitive information. If you get a bad feeling, explore some other options instead.
Are you a victim of business opportunity fraud?
- You’ve received an email or letter, seen an advert, or landed on a website explaining how you can make easy money by working at home, or by setting up your own online business.
- You’ve paid money up front to register with the scheme, bought customer details, set up a new website, bought products to sell. However, the products are worthless.
What should you do if you've been a victim of business opportunity fraud?
- Report it to Action Fraud.
- Report any adverts for fraudulent business opportunities to the magazines, newspapers or web site operators that published them.
- If you are asked to involve other people in the scheme, don’t.
- Keep any letters, emails or documents relating to the fraud as possible evidence.
Protect yourself against business opportunity fraud
- Beware of adverts for business opportunities that state you can earn a specific or minimum amount of money.
- Any advert that tells you that you can sit back and let a business run itself is a good indication of fraudsters at work.
- Look out if the scheme operators give contact details that include mobile phone numbers beginning with 07 or web mail email addresses such as Yahoo or Outlook Genuine businesses do not use them.
- Don’t be tempted by seemingly easy offers for work. You might find your personal details sold on to other scammers and you’ll become seen as an easy target.
If you spot a scam, or have signed up to what you think is a job scam, call us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
BANK SCAMS: Received a call from your 'bank' but worried it might be a scam? Stop, hang up and call 159. 159 connects you securely to your bank to check if the call is genuine. Find out more here: https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159
CHECK STATEMENTS: Do you regularly check your bank statements? Look out for entries that you don't recognise and report them immediately. Remember, criminals can use your personal information to open bank accounts, take out loans and apply for cards. If you're worried your personal details may have been stolen, you can contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud.
TRUDTED TRADERS: Calling all Sparkies! We need you. There is a lack of electricians signed up to our trader approval scheme, and we really need businesses that Suffolk residents can feel confident to contact for work. Find out how you can be part of a network of Trading Standards approved businesses Suffolk residents trust to deliver quality services. Once approved, you’ll be listed in the directory which consumers use to find a company they can trust. Find our more here: https://trustedtrader.team/Suffolk/signup
COOKIES RECALLED: Lidi is recalling various cookies because they may contain pieces of metal. The possible presence of metal makes these products unsafe to eat.
Tower Gate Half Coated Chocolate Chunk Cookies Pack size 200g Best before 06 December 2024
Tower Gate Half Coated Fruit & Nut Cookies Pack size 200g Best before 06 December 2024
McEnnedy American Way Nougatelli Pack size 175g Best before 10 December 2024
Tower Gate Soft Baked Cookies Triple Chocolate Pack size 210g Best before 12 December 2024
Tower Gate Soft Baked Cookies Lemon Pack size 210g Best before 13 December 2024
Tower Gate Chocolate Chip Cookies Pack size 150g Best before 14 December 2024
If you have bought the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Lidl Customer Services on 0203 966 5566 or customer.care@lidl.co.uk