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.

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

Sign up to receive Norfolk Trading Standards business alerts by email

Rogue Trader Alert – Cold Callers offering ‘left over’ tarmac – 2 October 2023

We are warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving reports of cold callers in the Diss areas offering to repair driveways, access roads and car parks.

This follows an incident where a male approached a business claiming he had ‘left over tarmac and hardcore from a job nearby’, naming another local business he claimed they were working for, which he offered to lay around the business’ site. The male was seen to be driving a blue Ford Ranger pickup.

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.

It is possible these cold callers could move on to other areas around Norfolk, especially in rural areas.

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.

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

Information Alert – Ban from 1 October on businesses supplying single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls, single use plastic cutlery & balloon sticks – 22 July 2023

From 1 October 2023 business will no longer be allowed to supply single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls, single-use plastic cutlery or balloon sticks.

Business must also not supply ready-to-consume food and drink in polystyrene containers.

The ban on these items will include:

online and over-the-counter sales and supply
items from new and existing stock
all types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled
items wholly or partly made from plastic, including coating or lining

‘Single use’ means the item is meant to be used only once for its original purpose.

You can prepare your business for the new rules by:

using up existing stock before 1 October
finding re-usable alternatives to single-use items
using different materials for single-use items

If you continue to supply banned single-use plastics after 1 October, you could be fined. There are some exemptions to the ban, depending on the item.

Further information is available for businesses on the GOV.UK website.

Rogue Business Alert – Liquid Essences / www.liquidessences(dot)co – 20 September 2023

We are warning businesses not to use an online business’s website which purports to be based in Norfolk.

We have received several complaints about Liquid Essences who run a website www.liquidessences.co. The business is thought to be operated from outside of the UK but uses a fictitious Norfolk address to give the impression that it is UK based. All attempts to contact the business have failed.

It appears that they are selling ethanol, claiming that it is food grade. Food grade ethanol is alcohol that is intended for human consumption, and as such has to meet certain quality standards.

Food grade ethanol is typically used as a base for distilled spirits like vodka, gin and liqueurs. We have sampled this product from Liquid Essences and had it analysed, it is not food grade, it is a medical product.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have informed Norfolk Trading standards that the product is a medicinal product for skin disinfection. Furthermore, it is not licensed in the UK and should not be sold in the UK.

If any Business has purchased they should stop using this product, dispose of safely and inform Trading Standards if you have used this product to make any food or drink products.

You can contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133. You can also report other scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.

Rogue trader alert – Cold callers offering ‘road maintenance’ – 23 August 2023

We are highlighting a warning from Norfolk Constabulary to businesses about rogue traders which may be operating in South Norfolk.

This follows an incident reported to the police in which a call was received from an unknown number, asking if the victim wanted a road maintenance service. An unknown group of men then arrived at the business address and commenced work briefly before leaving. A further call was received demanding a large sum of money for the work, threatening the victim if they did not pay.

Norfolk Police state this appears to be the latest incident in a series of reports from businesses across south Norfolk, all with similar circumstances: a group of people will contact the victim anonymously offering a service gravelling or tarmacking on the premises. Once the work is complete, the group claims the victim owes thousands more than the either free or reduced price previously agreed upon. This results in phone calls being made to the victims with threats of violence, blackmail, and criminal damage towards their businesses.

It is possible these cold callers could target businesses in other parts of Norfolk.

If you are approached by these cold callers or are concerned about cold calling activity in your community, contact us through our partners – the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Constabulary via 101.

Information Alert – Ban from 1 October 2023 on businesses supplying single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls, single use plastic cutlery and balloon sticks – 20 July 2023

From 1 October 2023 business will no longer be allowed to supply single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls, single-use plastic cutlery or balloon sticks. Business must also not supply ready-to-consume food and drink in polystyrene containers.

The ban on these items will include:

online and over-the-counter sales and supply
items from new and existing stock
all types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled
items wholly or partly made from plastic, including coating or lining
‘Single use’ means the item is meant to be used only once for its original purpose.

You can prepare your business for the new rules by:

using up existing stock before 1 October
finding re-usable alternatives to single-use items
using different materials for single-use items

If you continue to supply banned single-use plastics after 1 October, you could be fined. There are some exemptions to the ban, depending on the item.

Find more information on single use plastics on the GOV.UK website.

Information Alert – Lifting of Avian Influenza Prevention Zone – 4 July 2023

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds, which was introduced to help stop the spread of avian influenza (‘bird flu’) has been lifted from 12 noon on 4 July 2023.

All bird keepers must continue to keep a close watch on their birds for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, you should seek prompt advice from your vet.

All poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.

All bird keepers (whether they are pet birds, a commercial farm or just a few birds in a backyard flock) can remain vigilant and help prevent avian influenza by:

cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting housing on a continuous basis
keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

Further advice on biosecurity is available on the GOV.UK website.

Additional mandatory restrictions apply in disease control zones in force surrounding infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, information on these locations are available on the GOV.UK website.

Scam Alert – Rogue business rates agents – 15 June 2023

We are highlighting a warning from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to businesses to protect themselves from rogue business rates agents.

New rateable values for business properties came into effect in April 2023. Councils used these new values to calculate business rates bills. Businesses can challenge their valuation if they think it’s incorrect and they can use a rating agent do this. But some rogue agents submit inaccurate information, and this could result in penalties or increased rates bills.

If you are looking to appoint an agent for business rates, the VOA advise businesses to be cautious of anyone who guarantees they can secure big business rates reductions, and follow their checklist:

Anyone can call themselves an agent, but this does not mean they are a member of a professional body. Check an agent’s background before signing a contract
If an agent is a member of the Rating Surveyor’s Association (RSA), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), or Institute of Revenues, Rating, Valuation (IRRV), they must follow rating agent standards. This provides business owners with extra reassurance
Check the length of a contract before signing. Rogue agents have been known to tie business owners into costly, long-term agreements
Make sure you read the small print and fully understand the services you are paying for. Legitimate agents should not pressure you into signing a contract or demand large sums of money up front
Familiarise yourself with VOA's Check service and create a Business Rates Valuation Account so you can manage your property and view correspondence between the VOA and your agent
Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure the information your agent provides to the VOA is correct. The VOA also offers further advice on the GOV.UK website

Scam Alert – Online directory listing cold calls and invoices – 9 March 2023

We are warning businesses to be aware of telephone cold calls and unexpected invoices by email requesting payment to ‘maintain’ online directory listings.

We have been made aware of emails circulating claiming that payment is required to ‘maintain’ your listing on an online directory. The directory is question is designed to appear to be connected to your local area. In some cases, the emails are then followed up with cold calls.

If you receive this type of call or an invoice demanding payment for unknown services, our advice is do not give or confirm any information or make any payment unless you have agreed to the listing and to always check all demands for payments carefully.

Where agreements have been made but you feel that you have been misled over the terms of the advertising and you require further advice, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Information Alert – Websites offering CSCS Cards – 4 March 2023

We are warning construction workers in Norfolk to be aware of websites claiming to be offering Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards but charging higher fees than the official application service

Complaints have been received from those who have used third party companies to apply for their CSCS cards. These companies are unaffiliated to CSCS and simply use the official CSCS application service on their client’s behalf, while charging an admin fee.

While many third-party sites provide the services advertised and are entirely legal, some charge significantly more than the official application fee.

There is only one official service which is via the CSCS website. A CSCS card costs £36 and in most cases, applications will be processed, and cards issued within 48 hours.

If a website is attempting to charge more than £36 for a CSCS card application or £22.50 for the separate CITB Health, safety & environment test you may want to visit the official CSCS site instead.

Information Alert – Reminder that Avian Influenza Housing Zone is still in place as Avian Influenza continues to be confirmed at sites in Norfolk and throughout the UK– 22 February 2023

The Avian influenza mandatory Housing Order which came into effect in Norfolk in October last year continues, meaning all poultry and captive birds will still have to be kept indoors. Information on the housing order requirements can be found on the GOV.UK website.

3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been put in place around a number of premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order for each premises online 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.

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.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Further information on the housing measures is available from the GOV.UK website.

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

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Thetford, Norfolk – 22 February 2023

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at one further premises in Norfolk in the last week.

Full details of the locations and controls put in place can be found in the declaratory order for each premises online on the GOV.UK website.

We are continuing to work 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.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Further information on the housing measures is available from the GOV.UK website.

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

News Alert – Norfolk Trusted Trader launches new website – 01 December 2022

Norfolk Trusted Trader, the only approved trader scheme from Norfolk County Council, has launched a new and improved website providing an easy and accessible experience to both businesses and consumers.

This is an exciting development which will provide many new opportunities to both consumers and scheme members, such as:

A fully accessible website with the ability for businesses to offer consumers the opportunity to leave reviews directly on the site
A dedicated support line for consumers and businesses
An online portal for scheme members to be able to request Trusted Trader support and assistance and upload photos and videos of work to boost their profile page
Continued free access to an Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme

Businesses who join the scheme before the end of February 2023 will enjoy 50% off their first year of membership

To see the updated Norfolk Trusted Trader Directory or to find out more about the scheme please visit the Norfolk Trusted Trader website

Safety Alert – Office for Product Safety and Standards issues Urgent Safety Alert for baby self-feeding pillows – 30 November 2022

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an Urgent Safety Alert for baby self-feeding pillows and is urging the public to stop using them immediately and dispose of them safely.

Businesses selling these products must immediately remove them from the market as they cannot comply with the safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

Baby self-feeding pillow products are designed to be attached to a bottle so that the baby may be positioned on its back to self-feed without the assistance of a caregiver holding the bottle and controlling the feed.

This is inconsistent with NHS guidance in relation to safe bottle feeding.

When used as intended, even whilst under the supervision of a caregiver, it could lead to immediate, serious harm or death from choking or aspiration pneumonia.

OPSS has identified that this category of products will always be dangerous due to their design and intended use and can never be made safe.

Consumers and businesses are asked to take specific action to cease use or remove these products from the market as advised below:

Consumers: should immediately stop using these products and dispose of them safely.

Businesses: must immediately remove these products from the market as they cannot comply with the safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations, 2005.

Scam Alert – Emails “Urgent response required to Managing Director” – 24 October 2022

We have been made aware of a spam phishing email circulating Norfolk and would advise businesses that this is fraudulent and originates from scammers, being solely designed to harvest personal details.

The content of the email starts:

From: “named individual” (one of your senior parties) managingdirector.uk@hotmail/gmail/live.com or some other provider. Sent: today’s date and time, To: your name/email. Subject: Available?

It will say “Hello” followed by your name. “Do you have a moment? I am tied up in a conference call meeting and there is something I need you to take care of requiring swift action.”

This is then followed by “Kindly reply to me with your WhatsApp number and patiently wait for my text.”

Finally, “Best Regards”

Fortunately, the business that received the email has a system of precautions and makes simple checks on each email they receive, so they took extra measures to ensure that their employees were aware by circulating the following advice.

Some best practices:

Messages from public domains i.e., @gmail etc – always check the ‘from’ field to validate the sender
Watch out for poorly worded emails or emails that have a sense of urgency
Never open or click attachments / links from unknown sources or if you are suspicious of the email (including unsubscribe buttons)
Please notify me (manager) of any suspicious emails

If in doubt just pick up the phone and call the sender for verification.

Always treat emails that seem dubious with caution. It is worth following the good tips the business offered above. If in any doubt, delete the email.

You can forward suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk.

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at further premises in Norfolk – 27 October 2022

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at further premises in Norfolk this week. In October, so far there has been more than 70 cases mainly concentrated in East Anglia, the majority of which are in Norfolk.

Full details of the locations and controls put in place can be found in the declaratory order for each premises online on the GOV.UK website.

We are continuing to work 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.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

Further information on the housing measures is available from the GOV.UK website.

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

News Alert – Fraud and Cyber Crime, are you protected? Join us on Saturday 15 October for Norfolk Scam Aware day – 29 September 2022

On Saturday 15 October the Norfolk Against Scams Partnership will be hosting Norfolk Scam Aware day at The Forum Norwich from 10am to 5pm.

Come along for advice and guidance on staying safe from scams, fraud and cybercrime from a range of partners including Norfolk Police, Norfolk County Council Trading Standards, Norfolk & Suffolk Victim care and Age UK Norfolk.

Throughout the day you can book to attend talks or try and complete our Cyber Escape Room. For more information or to book your space visit the Norfolk Police website.

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a second premises near Attleborough, Norfolk – 28 September 2022

On 27 September 2022 Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in birds at a second premises near Attleborough, Norfolk. A 3km Control Zone has been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order.

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.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

See further information on the housing measures on the GOV.UK website.

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

Information Alert – Avian Influenza Prevention Zone – 28 September 2022

Following a number of detections of avian influenza in both poultry and wild birds across Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the region to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.

This means that it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size.

All bird keepers, including hobby and backyard poultry keepers and anyone who keeps chickens, ducks and geese as pets must take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

Additionally, keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading. There is also a mandatory requirement to keep records and to make them available on request.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) means bird keepers in the affected regions must:

Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
Keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
revent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

More information is available on the GOV.UK website.

The AIPZ will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.

Bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to Defra’s national dead wild bird helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 03000 200 301.

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

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Northwold, Norfolk– 26 September 2022

On 26 September 2022 Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in birds at a premises near Northwold, Norfolk. A 3km Control Zone has been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order.

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.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

See further information on the housing measures on the GOV.UK website.

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