Business scam alerts

You can report scams through our partners the Citizens Advice helpline online via their website or by calling 0808 223 1133 (freephone). You can also report scams to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office, using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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Business Companion has advice on how to spot and avoid scams targeting businesses
The Food Standards Agency lists the latest food safety alerts here

Information Alert - Avian Influenza Update - 4 June 2026

The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was revoked from 12.00 on 4 June 2026.

All bird keepers should continue to take steps to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading at all times and be vigilant for signs of disease.

Advice for bird keepers is available on the GOV.UK website

News Alert - Guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos - 15 May 2026

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos.

These products have been recalled by the businesses that have sold them, and OPSS also expects any further asbestos-contaminated products to be recalled.

Further information for consumers and businesses on this issue including current recalls, health advice and guidance to ensure safe disposal is available on the GOV.UK website: Asbestos in consumer products - GOV.UK

News Alert - Free webinar for businesses - 'Consumer Rights and Remedies for Businesses' - 14 May 2026

Running a consumer-facing business comes with legal responsibilities — but staying compliant doesn't need to be complicated

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute's (CTSI) freewebinar gives businesses clear, practical guidance to help you understand consumer rights and remedies, so you can:

Gain clarity on your obligations
Make informed decisions with confidence
Focus on running your business, not second-guessing the rules

Perfect for businesses of all sizes and anyone new to consumer law or needing a refresher.

The online session will take place via Microsoft Teams on Monday 13 July between 10am and 12pm

To find out more about the course and to sign up for this free training visit the CTSI website

Rogue Trader Alert - Cold Callers offering to lay tarmac - 9 March 2026

We are again warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving further reports of cold callers offering to lay tarmac.

This follows an incident in the Diss area where a male approached a property offering to lay tarmac.

Often, when this approach is used, the cold caller will quote an initial price for the work, but once work has commenced the price will increase dramatically

The cold callers were seen to be using a grey Nissan Navara pick up and a white MAN lorry.

Anyone sighting these cold callers in Norfolk or concerned about Rogue Trader activity please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Constabulary via 101. If you feel threatened by a cold caller call 999 immediately.

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? We know just the people. Check out the Norfolk Trusted Trader directory to see our Trading Standards approved members and read feedback from their customers

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold callers claiming you have 'agreed' to advertise in a 'local magazine' - 2 March 2026

We are warning businesses to be aware of telephone cold callers claiming that you have agreed to purchase advertising 'in a local magazine'.

This follows an incident where a Norfolk business received a call claiming they had 'agreed to place an advert' in a magazine. When the business stated no agreement had been made the cold caller said they would send information by email. An email then followed with an invoice and demand for payment to be made immediately. The business then received a further call from the cold caller stating that payment was now due. When the business refused the cold caller became verbally aggressive and abusive stating that 'small claims action would be started' to recover the fee.

We would remind all businesses to ensure that all employees dealing with telephone contacts are aware of this type of cold call.

If you or anyone within your business receives one of these calls do not give or confirm any information about your business, hang up and report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 113.

News Alert - Free webinar for businesses - 'Consumer Rights and Remedies for Businesses' - 26 February 2026

Does your business enter into consumer contracts for goods, services, or digital content?

If so the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's free online course is a must.

Understanding consumer rights isn't just a legal requirement, it's a smart business move. By getting it right, you can boost customer satisfaction, avoid costly disputes, protect your reputation, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Consumer Rights and Remedies for Businesses, covers:

Key consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
Helpful, easy to-understand case law
Real-life scenarios your business can apply straight away

Perfect for businesses of all sizes and anyone new to consumer law or needing a refresher.

Two online sessions are available March 19 or 23 with the course being delivered via Microsoft Teams.

To find out more about the course and to sign up for this free training visit the CTSI website.

Rogue Trader Alert - Cold Callers offering to lay tarmac - 20 February 2026

We are warning businesses to be on their guard after received reports of cold callers offering to lay tarmac in the Hunstanton area.

This follows a report of a male approaching properties offering to lay tarmac which he claimed was 'spare' from 'a job nearby'.

Often, when this approach is used, the cold caller will quote an initial price for the work, but once work has commenced the price will increase dramatically.

The male was seen to be using a grey Nissan Navara pick up.

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? We know just the people. Check out the Norfolk Trusted Trader directory to see our Trading Standards approved members and read feedback from their customers.

News Alert - Free webinar for businesses - 'Update on major changes to Package Travel Law in 2026' - 2 February 2026

Big changes are coming to the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, are you ready?

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) are running sessions which will help you stay informed and compliant in 2026 by covering the major changes to these regulations such as advertising, pricing, holiday subscriptions and much more.

Dates available in February and March 2026 with the course being delivered via Microsoft Teams.

To find out more about the course and to sign up for this free training visit the CTSI website

Information Alert - Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamp Scheme - information for businesses - 29 January 2026

The UK Government is introducing a Vaping Products Duty, alongside a Vaping Duty Stamp Scheme from 1 October 2026.

Vaping Products Duty (VPD) will be introduced at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10 ml of vaping liquid, alongside a Vaping Duty Stamp (VDS) scheme which requires stamps to be affixed to vaping products.

From 1 April 2026, businesses that manufacture, import or store vaping products in the UK must apply for approval for the VPD and VDS schemes, ahead of them coming into force on 1 October 2026.

To find out the steps that you need to take and further guidance for businesses is available on the GOV.UK website.

A guide to the law on the packaging, tracking and tracing of tobacco products and the distribution and advertising of vapes is available on the Business Companion website.

Guidance on underage restrictions for tobacco and vapes and the ban on single use vapes is available on the Business Companion website.

News Alert - FSA Food Alert for Action (updated) - 16 January 2026

We are highlighting an updated to the Food Alert for Action issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for Consumers who have purchased and Food Businesses who have purchased and sold Jolly Rancher products manufactured by The Hershey Company.

Two additional products have been included in the Food Alert issued in June 2025. These products are Jolly Rancher Filled Pops and Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy.

Jolly Rancher products listed below contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons, (MOAH), making them unsafe to eat.

Food businesses who import these products are advised to discontinue import and distribution of products. Food businesses selling these products in the UK are advised to immediately stop sales, undertake product withdrawals and, where there have been retail sales, to undertake product recalls. The Hershey Company, who is the brand owner, has taken action to remove these products from the UK market.

For consumers, don't buy them, and if you've eaten these products, there should be no immediate cause for concern, as food safety risk is low, but don't eat any more. These products contain mineral oil, which isn't allowed in food in the UK and may pose a food safety risk if consumed regularly over a sustained period of time.

Products affected:

Jolly Rancher Filled Pops (all flavours)
- All pack sizes
- All batch codes
- All dates
Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy (all flavours)
- All pack sizes
- All batch codes
- All dates
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (all flavours)
- All pack sizes
- All dates
- All batch codes
Jolly Rancher 'Misfits' Gummies (all flavours)
- All pack sizes
- All dates
- All batch codes
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1 (all flavours)
- All pack sizes
- All dates
- All batch codes
Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies (all flavours)
- All pack sizes
- All dates
- All batch codes

Risk: Although the levels consumers are exposed to are likely to be low, they may present a risk to health because they contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons, (MOAH), and Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons, (MOSH). Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat them regularly.

MOAH can cause damage to DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, particularly if consumed in high quantities over a prolonged period of time. MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.

The FSA offer the following advice to consumers:

If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead, dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, contact us via 0808 223 1133.

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a third premises near Mundford, Norfolk - 16 January 2026

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H5 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a third premises near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk.

A 1km Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Restricted Zone has been declared around the premises

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: Near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

An AIPZ with mandatory housing measures is now in force across Norfolk to protect poultry and captive birds. This applies to all keepers of over 50 birds and all keepers who sell or give away eggs or poultry products (even if they keep fewer than 50 birds).

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Scam Alert - Be aware for Self-Assessment Scams - 5 January 2026

We are reminding those who are self-assessment customers of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to be aware for scams.

Scammers target individuals when they know people are getting ready to file their tax returns.

Since February 2025, more than 4,800 self-assessment scams have been reported to HMRC. Scammers target people when they expect the HMRC to get in touch, such as around tax return deadlines.

You should watch out for:

phone calls that try to rush you or threaten you with legal action; HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening arrest, for example
emails or texts that ask for personal or financial information
an email, text, or phone call to tell you you're owed a refund and where to claim one

You can find more information about bogus contacts and phishing emails claiming to be from HMRC on the GOV.UK website

You can also report suspicious HMRC phone calls received via this GOV.UK online form or by emailing [email protected] where possible including:

Your phone number
The callers phone number
The date and time of the call
A brief description of the call content

If you think you might have responded to a scam cold call and provided your bank account details, contact your bank immediately.

You can also report any suspected scams to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at third premises near Dereham, Norfolk - 22 December 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a third premises near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: third premises near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at second premises near Dereham, Norfolk - 20 December 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a second premises near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: second premises near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

News Alert - Free training session for businesses - "An Introduction to Product Safety Using PAS 7050 and PAS 7100" - 18 December 2026

Running your own business and bringing your products to market can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) are offering a free webinar which will help you to implement PAS 7050 and PAS 7100 safety standards, keeping customers safe and your business protected.

Multiple dates available throughout February 2026 with the course being delivered via Microsoft Teams.

To find out more about the course and to sign up for this free training visit the CTSI website.

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Dereham, Norfolk - 9 December 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Dereham, Norfolk.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk (AIV2025/124) - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a second premise near Mundford, Norfolk - 1 December 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a second premises near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: second premises near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk (AIV 2025/117) - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Mundford, Norfolk - 26 November 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Rogue Trader Alert - Cold Callers offering to lay tarmac - 26 November 2025

We are again warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving reports of cold callers offering to lay tarmac in the Framlingham Earl area.

Often, when this approach is used, the cold caller will quote an initial price for the work, but once work has commenced the price will increase dramatically.

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Trading Standards Approved Norfolk Trusted Trader. To search our directory and read feedback from their customers visit the Norfolk Trusted Trader website

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Swaffham, Norfolk - 24 November 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a second premises near Swaffham, Norfolk.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: a second premises near Swaffham, Breckland, Norfolk - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Rogue Trader Alert - Cold Callers offering to lay tarmac - 19 November 2025

We are warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving reports of cold callers offering to lay tarmac.

This follows a report of a male cold calling in the Dereham area offering to lay tarmac, claiming they had material 'left over from highways work nearby'.

Often, when this approach is used, the cold caller will quote an initial price for the work, but once work has commenced the price will increase dramatically.

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Trading Standards Approved Norfolk Trusted Trader. To search our directory and read feedback from their customers visit the Norfolk Trusted Trader website.

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at two further premises in Norfolk - 17 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in:

a large commercial poultry unit near Swaffham, Norfolk. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises.
a small backyard flock of captive birds near Watton, Norfolk. A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been declared around premises

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory orders which are available on the GOV.UK website

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website:

Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Poringland, Norfolk - 14 November 2025

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Poringland, Norfolk

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website: Bird flu: near Poringland, South Norfolk, Norfolk - GOV.UK

We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.

Further information regarding the latest Avian Influenza situation in England is available from the GOV.UK website

All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Useful Links on the GOV.UK website: