Consumer scam alerts

You can report scams to our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, online on the Citizens Advice website (opens new window) or by calling 0808 223 1133 (freephone), or you can report a scam to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Follow us on social media: Facebook - Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Twitter - Norfolk County Council Trading Standards
The Citizens Advice website has information about common consumer scams to look out for
Chartered Trading Standards Institute list the latest product recalls on their website
The Food Standards Agency lists the latest food safety alerts here

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller claiming issues with properties' roof - 21 May 2026

We are warning residents about doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows reports of males cold calling in the NR2 area of Norwich making a number of claims about roofs 'needing repairs' at properties. They are also believed to be delivering leaflets to properties offering a range of roof repair services.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police on 101. If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

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

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Scam Alert - Fake antivirus software emails - 20 May 2026

We are warning residents about emails claiming to be about antivirus software.

Frequently we receive reports of these emails circulating with the majority claiming that your antivirus software has run out leaving your device open to malware and online attacks.

Recent examples, which have claimed to be from TotalAV, Total Protection, AVG, Norton and McAfee, include:

Renewals offered with 80% or 90% discounts if you renew via an embedded QR code or link in the text within a short time period
Notification of 'your completed renewal' with a price quoted of several hundred pounds. The email goes on to offer a phone number 'if you didn't authorise this payment'

If you receive these or similar emails do not click on any links or call any numbers quoted.

Anyone who does is likely to be taken to a website, or asked by the call handler, to reveal personal and financial information which could be used to commit further scams or persuaded to download malicious software.

If you do receive an email from a company you have an account with, contact them directly on a trusted number, on a genuine App or log into your online account to verify the information in the email.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

If you think you have interacted with a scam message and provided scammers with your financial details you should contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one on the back of your bank card

You can also report scams received to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Flyers and Doorstep Cold Callers offering to undertake repairs and maintenance work on Park Homes - 19 May 2026

We are again warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of flyers being hand delivered offering to undertake repairs and maintenance work on Park Homes.

This follows an incident in the Drayton area where leaflets were delivered followed by a cold caller who attempted to quote for work.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

It is possible these Rogue Traders could target other Palk Home sites in Norfolk.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

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 genuine feedback from their customers.

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering tree and garden work - 18 May 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers offering tree and garden work.

This follows reports of cold callers in the Aylsham area.

We believe these cold callers may also be delivering flyers which claim to offer a range of tree and garden services and give a contact number but no further details about the business.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Cold Calling Alert - Cold calls regarding spray foam insulation removal - 18 May 2026

We are continuing to warn residents to be wary of cold callers pressuring them to pay to have spray foam insulation removed.

Reports from Norfolk residents have involved both telephone and doorstep cold calls.

These companies often claim that the insulation that was put in was incorrect and will cause problems with insurance, damp and future house sales or mortgages. Other reports have included claims that this type of insulation had now been declared 'illegal'.

Frequently, they will highlight that the original company that installed the insulation has ceased trading, and this 'new' company will state they are there to assist the resident by removing the insulation - for a price.

While spray foam does lead to problems if applied incorrectly or on a property that isn't appropriate, it is important that consumers are aware that these 'new' companies are not always legitimate.

Do your own research before agreeing to any further work and seek an independent expert opinion on whether it needs to be removed.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has produced a consumer guide for spray foam which can be found on the RICS website. The RICS website also allows you to search for a qualified, professional surveyor in your area.

If you need advice about cold calling or have agreed to a visit during a cold call please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

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

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold callers claiming to be calling 'on behalf of your GP surgery' - 14 May 2026

We are warning Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls during which the caller claims to be calling from or on behalf of 'your GP surgery'.

Frequently during these calls the cold caller will then attempt to engage with call recipient about 'health issues' before claiming that you have 'been identified' as suitable for health supplements or vitamin products. The cold caller will then attempt to sell these products over the phone for home delivery.

Our advice is always to be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and never give or confirm any personal details, make purchases or agree to someone visiting your home if approached in this manner.

You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from 'Barclays' - 13 May 2026

We are warning residents about text messages circulating claiming to be from 'Barclays'.

One recent example reported to us states 'Barclays Plc: A £362.84 Direct Debit to Blackhorse Finance has been arranged'. The message goes on to provide a contact number if this is 'unrecognised'.

Criminals are experts at creating spoof messages that then provide links to scammers who will attempt to trick you into providing personal or financial information as part of urgent action they will claim you need take without closer inspection.

Always be wary of unexpected messages received and never respond or click on any links unless you know you can trust them.

If you are concerned about the security of a bank account or think you have interacted with a scam message and provided scammers with your financial details contact your bank directly using the Customer Service number printed on the card, on a recent statement or via information available on their genuine website or app. Neveruse details provided in an unexpected text message.

Suspicious or scam text messages can be reported by forwarding the message to 7726. More information on this free reporting service and how to forward messages from your device is available on the Ofcom website

You can also report text messages which you believe to be a scam to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from Financial Conduct Authority - 11 May 2026

We are highlighting a warning issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about text messages circulating which claim to be from the FCA.

These messages make claims that you are involved in a 'Report Fraud' investigation, data breach, or offering false compensation'.

The FCA state that they will never text or call you to ask for bank details, PINs, or passwords. If you receive a message that claims to be from the FCA you can, If in doubt, call the FCA directly on 0800 111 6768 to confirm if a communication is real.

Suspicious or scam text messages can be reported by forwarding the message to 7726. More information on this free reporting service and how to forward messages from your device is available on the Ofcom website

You can also report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls offering 'pendant alarms' - 10 May 2026

We are warning Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls which claim to be offering 'pendant alarms'.

This follows an incident where a resident received a telephone cold call stating they 'qualified for a pendant alarm'. The cold caller then attempted to gather personal and financial information from the resident.

You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'TV Licensing' - 7 May 2026

We are again warning residents to be aware for scam emails claiming to be from TV Licensing.

Recent examples have included emails that claim 'your TV Licence could not be renewed' as your 'Direct Debit payment demand was declined'. The email then contains a link to 'update your licence'

These emails are not from TV Licencing and any links contained within the message are likely to go to a genuine looking fake version of the TV Licencing website which will attempt to gather personal and financial details.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

TV Licensing offer the following advice to help spot scam TV Licence emails:

Check the sender - Genuine TV Licensing emails are sent from [email protected] or [email protected].
Partial Postcode - If you have provided us with your postcode details, our emails will include part of your postcode and/or the name on the licence
Look for your name - If you've given us your name, then we'll always address you using your last name and title. The scammers won't normally have that information about you. So, watch out for emails that only address you as "Dear client" or "Dear customer" - or just use your email address (or part of it)
Check the spelling and grammar - Because scammers can't use our genuine TV Licensing web addresses or email addresses, they'll try to use slightly different spellings - look out for things like hyphens and full stops in odd places. Be suspicious too if there are mistakes in the email with capital letters or other grammatical errors, like missing full stops - this could be a scam
Check the links - Be wary of emails promising money/refunds. For example, phrases such as, "click below to access your refund", followed by a request to provide your credit card or bank details (we would never process a refund in this way). Always check links in an email before clicking or tapping them.
If you're on a computer
Hover over the link (but don't click it). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.
If you're on a smartphone or tablet
Press and hold on the link (don't release while you are on the link). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.

TV Licensing offer further advice on helping you to avoid TV Licensing Scams on their website

You can report scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the email to [email protected]

You can also report suspicious emails received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'BT' - 7 May 2026

We are warning residents who are BT customers about scam emails circulating claiming to be a 'Security notice' and that an 'unusual sign-in attempt was detected from a new device and location'.

The email goes on to say that need to 'verify your account immediately to prevent suspension'. The email then provides a link in the email with a final warning that 'if you don't verify within 48 hours your email access will be restricted'.

These emails are not from BT and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

You can also report scams received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 113

Scam Alert - Be aware for fake QR codes - 6 May 2026

We are again reminding residents to be alert for fake QR codes.

Quick Response (QR) codes are the black and white patterned squares which when scanned with a smartphone take you to a linked website. These provide a quick way to find a website for information or access to services but can also be used by fraudsters looking to divert you into fraudulent versions of genuine sites.

Report Fraud state that quishing happens most frequently in car parks, with criminals using stickers to tamper with QR codes on parking machines. Quishing also occurred on online shopping platforms, where sellers received a QR code via email to either verify accounts or to receive payment for sold items.

They also say that phishing attacks can impersonate HMRC, or other UK government schemes, targeting people with QR codes designed to steal personal and financial details.

Report Fraud offer the following advice to avoid being a victim of quishing:

QR codes used in pubs or restaurants are usually safe to scan
Scanning QR codes in open spaces (like stations and car parks) might pose a greater risk. Check for signs that codes may have been tampered with (usually by a sticker placed over the legitimate QR code). If in doubt, do not scan them: use a search engine to find the official website or app for the organisation you need to make a payment to
If you receive an email with a QR code in it, and you're asked to scan it, you should be cautious due to an increase in these types of 'quishing' attacks
Finally, Report Fraud recommend that you use the QR-scanner that comes with your phone, rather than using an app downloaded from an app store

If you've lost money or provided financial information as a result of any potential scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040

If you receive a suspicious email, report it by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Information Alert - Home Repairs or Improvements? Make sure you #CHECK - 5 May 2026

If you looking to have work done on or around your property our advice is always to only use reputable traders you have chosen yourself.

In a recent incident a Norfolk resident was looking to have roofing work undertaken on their property and posted the job on a nationwide online listing site.
From this a trader made contact and offered to visit, once at the property the trader used several 'pressure selling' style techniques to attempt to persuade the resident that the problem was extensive and that work totalling several thousand pounds was needed.

When planning work remember to think #CHECK when choosing a tradesman or business for the job:

Compare - Speak with multiple tradespeople to compare. Get at least three quotes. Find a Norfolk Trusted Trader or check with friends and family for recommendations. Norfolk Trusted Trader is the only trader scheme from Norfolk County Council with members who have been Trading Standards Approved, helping you to choose with confidence and supporting quality local businesses.
Take your time, legitimate traders will not rush you to make a decision
History - Ask for the traders' references, recommendations and reviews and make sure you check them out
Establish the details - What work will be carried out? When will it start? Who will be doing the work? How much will it cost? Remember that a quote is more binding than an estimate
Contract - Ensure everything is recorded and ask for a contract for the work
Keep all the paperwork - This may be needed should anything go wrong

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering tree and garden work - 1 May 2026

We are continuing to warn residents to be on their guard after receiving further reports of doorstep cold callers offering tree and garden work.

This follows a report of a male cold calling in the Attleborough area offering to undertake a range of garden maintenance tasks and trim trees or bushes.

The male was seen to be driving a black pickup truck.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering house and garden maintenance - 29 April 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers offering house and garden maintenance.

This follows reports of a male cold calling in the Caister-on-Sea area offering home and garden maintenance and clearance.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way.
When looking to have work done only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Check out our Trading Standards Approved members on our online directory and read genuine feedback from their customers.

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering tree and garden work - 28 April 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers offering tree and garden work.

This follows reports of a two males cold calling in the North Walsham area offering to trim trees.

We believe the males may also be delivering flyers which claim to offer a range of tree services and gives a contact number but no further details about the business.

The two males were seen to be using a silver Ford Transit tipper van.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls regarding 'loft insulation' - 27 April 2026

We are warning residents to be aware of telephone cold calls regarding loft insulation.

This follows a report from a Norfolk resident who received a call in which the cold caller stated that they were offering 'free loft inspections' and was calling about 'the risk of damp and mould' which the cold caller claimed could need 'immediate attention'.
The cold caller then attempted to make an appoint for a visit to the property.

Our advice is always to be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call, never give, or confirm any personal details and never agree to someone visiting your home if approached in this way.

If you need advice about cold calling or have been told you will receive a visit to your home during a cold call contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller offering to trim trees - 27 April 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of a male doorstep cold calling in the Great Massingham area offering to trim trees.

The male was seen to be driving a white Isuzu Grafter drop side van.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Check out our Trading Standards Approved members on our online directory and read genuine feedback from their customers.

Scam Alert - Fake Parking Charge Notice messages - 27 April 2026

We are continuing to warn residents to be alert for fake parking fine infringement text and WhatsApp messages.

These messages, which frequently claim to be a Penalty Chage Notice (PCN), make a range of claims about 'outstanding', 'unpaid' or 'overdue' fines.
Often messages will that 'additional fines and interest', 'vehicle seizures' or 'driving licence suspensions' are a risk if fines are not paid 'immediately'.

These messages are fake and anyone following the link will be taken to a well-presented website which will look to gather personal and financial information.

We would remind all residents that genuine PCNs are either physical tickets left on a vehicle or sent by post to the vehicles registered keeper. Genuine PCNs always include instructions on how to pay or appeal it. Genuine PCNs will not be sent by text, WhatsApp or email.

If you receive this or any other suspicious text messages you can report them by forwarding the message free of charge to 7726

To forward a text message follow these steps:

iPhone or iPad

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:

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 you are unable to forward a suspicious message you can also take a screenshot or screen recording of the text message and send it to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected]

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

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller offering to lay gravel - 24 April 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after received reports of cold callers offering to lay gravel in the Gayton area.

This follows a report of a male going door to door in the area attempting to sell gravel. The male was seen to be using a van pulling a trailer loaded with gravel.

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

We always advise:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your property, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for free or a small fee
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work.

It is possible this doorstep cold caller could move on to other areas around Norfolk and could approach businesses as well as residential properties especially in rural areas.

Anyone sighting these cold callers in Norfolk or concerned about Rogue Trader activity in your community please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

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.

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep cold caller claiming issues with properties' roof - 23 April 2026

We are warning residents about doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows reports of males cold calling in the Little Melton area making a number of claims about roof issues and offering to undertake repair work 'straight away'.

They are also believed to be delivering leaflets to properties offering a range of roof repair services.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police on 101

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers claiming repairs and maintenance work is needed - 22 April 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after Norfolk Constabulary reported doorstep cold callers in the Great Yarmouth area.

In the incident a group of males cold called at a property and told the resident that their property needed roof repairs, gutter cleaning and gardening work.

The males then charged the resident several thousands of pounds for the work, taking the resident to a bank to withdraw money.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from Apple Pay - 22 April 2026

We are warning Apple Pay users to be alert for scam text messages that are circulating.

The messages, usual sent from a mobile number, states 'Apple Pay: Your linked card has been temporarily suspended due to unusual activity. Please re-verify your card details to restore access'. The message then provides a link in the text.

These messages are fake and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details.

Criminals send fake text messages in the hope they will panic you and you will click on the link. They want access to your money and information or get you to click on links which could download malware.

You can report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.

Reporting a suspicious text is free and only takes a minute. By reporting, you can:

reduce the amount of scam texts you receive
make yourself a harder target for scammers
protect others from cybercrime online

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.

Scam Alert - Investment Scams - 21 April 2026

We are reminding residents to be alert for contacts offering investment opportunities.

Investment scams can often be difficult to spot as scammers will design them to look like genuine investments. Initial contacts will often be by email or telephone cold call.
Common investment scams include savings bonds, fake shares, cryptocurrencies, gemstones, and fine wines.

Scammers also frequently make online and social media posts or place paid for adverts often linking to fake news articles which claim that a celebrity, politician or well-known 'media expert' named is promoting online investments after making large amounts of money from doing so themselves.

These posts and adverts are placed attempting to lure people into making contact so they can be encouraged to invest in these investment scams.

In reality, those used in these investment scams have nothing to do with the fraudsters and their image and status are being used without their permission or endorsement. Any money handed over is likely to end up in the hands of cyber criminals with little or no possibility of you ever recovering it.

Protect yourself.

Be very sceptical about emails, cold calls, social media posts or online adverts from companies offering shares and other investments - especially if they're offering higher returns or are 'guaranteed' or 'risk-free'
Never be rushed into making a decision, if the contactor is trying to pressurize you end the conversation
Get independent financial advice before making any investment
Never sign up to anything immediately or if you're told to keep the deal confidential
Make sure the firm is on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register of authorised firms, you can check the list by visiting the FCA website

The FCA website also provides further details on how to avoid investment scams online.

If you think you have received an investment offer that you believe is a scam or you have become the victim of a scam, you can report this to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Be aware for Winter Fuel Payment recovery scams - 17 April 2026

Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month.

Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more than £35,000 - for most, an automatic process.

His Majesties Revenues and Customs (HMRC) saw more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals over the last 12 months and is warning that scammers may now use the recovery process as a hook to use texts, emails and phone calls to target this group.

For most, the payment will be recovered through a change to their PAYE tax code from this month (April 2026) with no need to contact HMRC. For those in Self-Assessment who file online, the payment should be pre-populated in their 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. Customers should check and add it manually if it is not shown. Paper filers will need to add it on their tax return, due by 31 October 2026.

HMRC will never contact people by text or email to ask them to repay their Winter Fuel Payment, or to request bank details.

To report a suspicious text claiming to be from HMRC, forward it to 60599.

To report a suspicious email, forward it to [email protected]

To report a scam phone call claiming to be from HMRC, visit the GOV.UK website

If you've lost money or provided financial information as a result of any potential scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040

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

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from Amazon - 16 April 2026

We are warning about scam text messages which claim to be from Amazon Customer Service stating that you are due a refund due to an item you have previously purchased has 'been included in an official product safety recall'

The messages go on to claim that 'a full refund will be issued to your original payment method - no return is required'. The message then provides a link to 'view recall details and refund status'.

These messages are fake and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details.

If you think you have interacted with a scam message and provided fraudsters with your financial details you should contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one on the back of your bank card.

You can also report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Information Alert - Emails claiming 'your pet's microchip registration has expired' - 14 April 2026

We are warning residents about emails circulating which claims, 'your pet's microchip registration has expired'.

The email, which often includes information about you, your pet and your pets microchip number, will state that you need to pay a fee for the registration to be updated or renewed.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

If you receive this or a similar email you are advised to contact the existing company that holds the registration for your pet's microchip to ascertain its current status. Information on all the current approved microchip databases is available on the GOV.UK website.

If you do not know your current provider there is also a link to enable you to check your pet's microchip number to identify who it is registered with.
If you do not know your pets microchip number speak with your vet.

If you have received a suspicious email which could be a scam, or you think you have been misled into making a payment for a service you can contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

You can also report suspicious emails received to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding them to [email protected]

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from Tesco - 10 April 2026

We are warning about scam text messages which claim to be from Tesco stating that 'your Tesco Membership contains 15,680 points and 15,000 points will expire on 12 March 2026, in just 2 days'

The messages go on to claim that 'if unclaimed, points will be permanently removed'. The message then provides a link to 'check rewards'.

These messages are fake and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details.

It is likely that a number of versions of this scam texts will be in circulation quoting different points figures and dates.

You can also report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Information Alert - Avian Influenza Update - 9 April 2026

Poultry and other captive birds in England can be let outside from 9 April 2026 unless you are in a Protection Zone or a Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone.

The mandatory housing measures applied 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). The measures were introduced across the whole of England on 6 November last year to prevent the spread of bird flu. The latest risk assessment supported by the best epidemiological and scientific evidence shows that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) levels in wild birds and poultry has reduced.

The lifting of housing measures applies to all areas unless keepers are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone - these are areas where there has been a recent HPAI outbreak.

Birdkeepers are legally required to adhere to the highest biosecurity standards with an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) mandating strict biosecurity remaining in place in England, Scotland and Wales. This includes measures such as disinfecting footwear, clothing and vehicles and equipment before and after entering premises.

Bird gatherings, such as fairs and markets, remain subject to either a general or specific licence.

The public is also reminded that you must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds.

Further information is available on GOV.UK website

Rogue Trader Alert - Door to door fish sellers - 8 April 2026

We are warning residents to be vigilant for cold callers selling fish door to door.

This follows a report from a resident in Dereham who was cold called at their property by a male who stated he was selling fish.

In the past these types of sellers have been known to use high pressure sales tactics and there have been issues with the quality of the fish being offered, whether the type of fish is as claimed, and whether it has been appropriately stored for transportation.

It is possible this seller may continue to move on to other locations within Norfolk.

Our advice is never deal with cold callers and never be pressurised into buying on the doorstep.

If you are approached by this seller or are concerned about possible rogue trader activity in your community, please report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or to Norfolk Constabulary on 101.

If you feel intimidated by a doorstep cold caller or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller claiming issues with properties' roof - 7 April 2026

We are warning residents about doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows reports of a male cold calling at a number of properties in the Stalham area claiming he could see 'tiles missing' on roofs and saying he could undertake repairs 'straight away'. The male was seen to be driving a sign written grey Nissan Navara pick up.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police on 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Scam Alert - Fake parcel delivery messages - 1 April 2026

We are warning residents about messages claiming to relate to a parcel delivery which state they are unable to deliver the item or that you have missed the delivery.

Recent examples have included text messages which claims to be from 'Evri' and state 'sorry we couldn't deliver your items today because nobody was there to sign for it'. The message goes on to provide a link to 'update delivery details' to reschedule a new delivery date.

Anyone clicking on these links will be taken to fake website made to look like the genuine ones, with the same branding, layout, and font choices. These sites have been built by criminals and are used to gather personal and financial information or take required 'payments'.

If you receive a suspicious parcel delivery message do not click on any links.

Suspicious or scam emails can be reported by forwarding the message to [email protected]

You can also report scams received to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133

Information Alert - Home Repairs or Improvements? Make sure you #CHECK - 1 April 2026

If the Easter double Bank Holiday weekend is making you think about having work done on or around your property our advice is always to only use reputable traders you have chosen yourself.

When planning work remember to think #CHECK when choosing a tradesman or business for the job:

Compare - Speak with multiple tradespeople to compare. Get at least three quotes. Check with friends and family for recommendations or find a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Norfolk Trusted Trader is the only trader scheme from Norfolk County Council with members who have been Trading Standards Approved, helping you to choose with confidence and supporting quality local businesses. Take your time, legitimate traders will not rush you to make a decision
History - Ask for the traders' references, recommendations and reviews and make sure you check them out
Establish the details - What work will be carried out? When will it start? Who will be doing the work? How much will it cost? Remember that a quote is more binding than an estimate
Contract - Ensure everything is recorded and ask for a contract for the work
Keep all the paperwork - This may be needed should anything go wrong

Cold Calling Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers enquiring about 'your broadband speed' - 31 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers attempting to engage with residents about their broadband speed.

This follows a report from the Eaton area of Norwich where a resident was cold called and described the callers approach as 'very persistent'.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers which includes:

Never allowing a cold caller access to your property
Never agreeing to further visits from them or other people
Never provide personal information, information about existing contracts held or agree to new contracts no matter what claims or 'special offers' are made to try and persuade you

Anyone sighting doorstep cold callers in Norfolk should contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Constabulary via 101.

If you feel intimidated or sight doorstep cold callers and are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from Vodafone - 30 March 2026

We are warning residents who are Vodafone customers to be alert for scam text messages that are circulating.

The messages, which come from a spoofed number, claims to be 'advance notice regarding your Vodafone Reward Points' stating that 'you currently hold 12,739 of which 12,000 points are scheduled to expire in three days in line with the 2026 programme'. The message then provides a link to 'redeem your points'.

These messages are not from Vodafone and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details. It is likely that a number of versions of this message will be circulating claiming differing amounts of points.

You can also report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Task based job scams - 29 March 2026

We are warning residents about messages claiming to be offering online work from home employment opportunities.

Frequently these arrive as unsolicited messages via WhatsApp claiming to be a job opportunity that can be done flexibly, with no experience and working from home. Some examples even claim to offer an '£8 bonus' just for enquiring via a link in the message.

The 'role' includes completing a set of tasks online and for each activity 'commission' will be earned. Initially the tasks are often registering for online accounts, making transactions for small amounts which you are told the costs will be refunded and then leaving online feedback. Having completed these initial tasks payment will be sent covering your costs with your 'commission' added on.

Over the following days the tasks contain more steps with the costs involved increasing but all paid on completion. Very quickly the amounts involved can reach hundreds or even thousands of pounds or the contact may say you have been selected for a 'premium' task which has greater outlay but for higher commission.

The fraudsters will attempt to get you to continue to pay to complete tasks, often until you have no access to funds, saying all tasks need to be completed before payment can be made to you. They may even try and persuade you to borrow money from others or take out loans or credit cards to make the payments.

Regardless of what you do or how much you pay in the fraudsters will not return your money. Even if tasks are completed they will often claim that taxes or fees need to be paid before money can be paid out or just cut off any further communication.

Our advice is always to be very wary of offer made via an unsolicited message or cold call and to look out for the following if it is claiming to be offering employment:

The initial contact can via an unsolicited message
You do not have to provide a CV or covering letter
If it is requiring you to complete online tasks to earn commission
It is claiming that the work is for well know online companies, but you are not dealing directly with them
That you are told to download a new online bank account for the work
That payment can only be withdrawn after a set number of tasks are completed

If you have lost money to a scam you should contact your bank immediately and then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the Report Fraud website

You can also report suspected scam contacts to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls regarding 'loft insulation' - 27 March 2026

We are warning residents to be aware of telephone cold calls regarding loft insulation.

This follows two reports from Norfolk residents who have received calls. In the first the cold caller stated that they were 'working on roofs in the area' and was calling about 'risks of mould from loft insulation which has been in place for too long'.

In the second report the cold caller claimed that they 'needed to inspect the property's loft insulation as part of a Government scheme'.

Scam Alert - Telephone cold calls claiming to be from 'Amazon' - 26 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard for telephone cold calls claiming to be from 'Amazon'.

This follows a report from a resident who received a cold call stating that 'a transaction been charged to your Amazon account' for an 'iPhone 16 Plus at £780'. The call went on to say that 'this voicemail alert' was being sent to 'confirm if this purchase was unauthorised' and gave instruction to 'press 1 to speak to the Amazon fraud team'

Previously, where residents have interacted with calls received, they have then been connected to a person who attempts to gather personal, account or financial details.

These calls are a scam and are not connected with Amazon in any way. If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.

Amazon have put together some helpful tips on how to identify if a phone call is from them. This information can be found on the Amazon UK website.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering tree work - 25 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of a male doorstep cold calling in the Bradwell area offering to trim trees.

This follows a report from a resident who received a doorstep cold call during which the male said he was 'apologising for any noise' while they were 'working nearby' before going on to point out issues with trees in the resident's garden and then offering to undertake the work.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way. When looking to have work done only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999 Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Check out our Trading Standards Approved members on our online directory and read genuine feedback from their customers

Scam Alert - Telephone cold calls claiming to be 'bank fraud prevention team' - 24 March 2026

We are warning residents about telephone calls which claim to be from 'bank fraud prevention team'.

In a recent incident reported to us the automated call stated, 'this is your bank fraud prevention team', the call then says that 'payments have been authorised on your bank account this morning, totalling £780'. The message goes on to say that 'these transactions are unusual for your account and appear fraudulent' and that you can 'press 1 to authorise these transactions or press 2 to speak to a member of the payment support team'.

The wording of the call is designed to panic the call recipient into interacting with the message, if they do it is likely they will be connected to a call handler who will then attempt to gather personal and financial information which could in turn be used to commit further fraud on or with the account.

We always advise people to be very wary of claims made during telephone cold calls. If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.

If you are concerned about the security of a bank account or credit card contact your bank or service provider directly using the Customer Service number printed on the card, on a recent statement or via information available on their genuine website or app. Never use details provided in a cold call.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering roof cleaning - 23 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of cold callers offering roof cleaning and repairs.

This follows a report from a Sprowston resident where a male cold called at their property quoting a price to clean the roof. Despite the resident declining the offer the male repeatedly offered to lower the price. The resident then closed the door but a few minutes later heard noises from outside their home and on going outside found the male on the roof cleaning small areas which the male claimed was so 'they could see how much better it could look'. The resident told the trader again to leave and eventually escorted him from their property.

We believe the male may also be delivering flyers which claim to offer a range of roof cleaning and repair services and gives a contact number but no further details about the business.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers which includes:

never allowing a cold caller access to your property or gardens
never agreeing to further visits from them or other people
never agreeing to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way no matter what claims or 'special offers' are made to try and persuade you.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police on 101. If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

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

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from Microsoft - 23 March 2026

We are warning residents about scam emails circulating claiming to be from Microsoft stating that 'your account will close on 16/05/2026 due to inactivity' and warning that 'once your account is closed you won't be able to use it to access services such as Windows, Microsoft 365, Teams, Xbox, Skype, OneDrive or Outlook'. It further claims that 'you won't be able to access any of the data or content you stored on these services. The emails, which are branded and designed to mimic genuine emails from Microsoft, go on to provide a link to 'keep your account open'.

These emails are not genuine and anyone following the link will be taken to a phishing website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial information.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Cold Calling Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller offering garden services - 20 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of a male doorstep cold calling in the Sheringham area offering to undertake garden work.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way. When looking to have work done only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

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

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'TV Licensing' - 20 March 2026

We are warning residents to be aware for scam emails claiming to be from TV Licensing. Common themes for these emails are claims that your licence is about to expire or there was an issue with your latest payment or direct debit. The emails also provide a link to enable the recipient to resolve the 'issue'.

These emails are not from TV Licencing and any links contained within the message are likely to go to a genuine looking fake version of the TV Licencing website which will attempt to gather personal and financial details.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

TV Licensing offer the following advice to help spot scam TV Licence emails:

Check the sender - Genuine TV Licensing emails are sent from [email protected] or [email protected]
Partial Postcode - If you have provided us with your postcode details, our emails will include part of your postcode and/or the name on the licence
Look for your name - If you've given us your name, then we'll always address you using your last name and title. The scammers won't normally have that information about you. So, watch out for emails that only address you as "Dear client" or "Dear customer" - or just use your email address (or part of it)
Check the spelling and grammar - Because scammers can't use our genuine TV Licensing web addresses or email addresses, they'll try to use slightly different spellings - look out for things like hyphens and full stops in odd places. Be suspicious too if there are mistakes in the email with capital letters or other grammatical errors, like missing full stops - this could be a scam
Check the links - Be wary of emails promising money/refunds. For example, phrases such as, "click below to access your refund", followed by a request to provide your credit card or bank details (we would never process a refund in this way). Always check links in an email before clicking or tapping them. If you're on a computer Hover over the link (but don't click it). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to. If you're on a smartphone or tablet Press and hold on the link (don't release while you are on the link). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.

Get further advice on avoiding TV Licensing Scams on the TV Licensing website.

You can report scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the email to [email protected]

You can also report suspicious emails received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Computer Remote Access Scams - 19 March 2026

One of the most common scams reported to Report Fraud involves fraudsters connecting remotely to a victim's computer.

Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call claiming to be from a well-known tech company, computer software provider, telecoms or broadband suppliers. The caller advises that there is a problem with the user's device or broadband equipment, often making claims about 'viruses', 'directory issues', 'criminals controlling your machine' & 'hackers accessing your router' and that they will be 'cutting off broadband access' or you will be 'unable to access the internet' if the recipient does not agree to immediate remedial work.

The caller will then then attempt to gain remote access to the computer or tablet. This could give them the opportunity to plant malicious software and apps on your device or access personal information held, including account log-in information and bank details, which can be used to commit fraud.

Victims can also end up being asked to pay for the 'fixes' the scammer has made to their device.

If these cold callers fail at the first contact they are known to try calling again repeatedly. Also where they have been successful in charging a fee the scammers have targeted people again telling them the 'problem' has returned.

Report Fraud offer the following advice to protect yourself from Remote Access Scams

A tech company, telecommunications provider, bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.
Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you're asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
Your bank will not ask you to reply to an e-mail with personal information, or details about your account. If you contact them, use a phone number/email address that you know to be true, rather than one sent to you in an email - it may be false.
It is okay to reject, refuse or ignore requested. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

If you think you may have been a victim of a Remote Access Scam:

Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC's guidance on recovering an infected device on their website.
Report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the Report Fraud website.

If you are concerned about the security of your computer or tablet or to fix problems or issues with it we would advise you to find a quality local business like a Trading Standards Approved Norfolk Trusted Trader. Search the Norfolk Trusted Trader Directory.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Flyers and Doorstep Cold Callers offering to undertake repairs and maintenance work on Park Homes - 18 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of flyers being hand delivered offering to undertake repairs and maintenance work on Park Homes.

This follows an incident in the Newton St Faiths area where leaflets were delivered followed by a cold caller who attempted to quote for work.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

It is possible these Rogue Traders could target other Palk Home sites in Norfolk.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers selling household products - 16 March 2026

We are again warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers trying to sell household products.

This follows a report of young people cold calling in the Gayton area.

Often this type of cold caller will claim to be 'ex offenders' or that they have 'recently been released from prison', and that the work is part of their 'improvement' or to 'earn a reference'. They usually carry large holdall type bags or rucksacks containing a range of household products including packaged kitchen knives, scissors, dusters, tea towels and cleaning products. Some of the cold callers have been described as 'persistent' in their approach and previously residents have reported aggression from callers when refusing to buy items.

Our advice is never deal with anyone who cold calls at your property offering to sell something.

Anyone sighting these sellers or other doorstep cold callers in Norfolk should contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Constabulary via 101.

If you feel intimidated or sight doorstep cold callers and are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Scam Alert - Scam Callers claiming to be Police Officers - 16 March 2026

We are highlighting a warning from Norfolk Police for residents to be aware of telephone scammers pretending to be police officers.

This follows 17 reports from residents in the Hemsby, Scratby and Ormesby areas of calls claiming to be police officers trying to persuade the call recipients to reveal banking information. Unlike previous scams where the person calling claims to be from a police station elsewhere in the country, these scammers are impersonating local police officers Sadly in one incident money was successfully take, the other attempts were all unsuccessful.

If you receive this or a similar call do not engage with the call in any way, hang up and then contact Norfolk Police on 101, if possible on a different phone.

If you believe a crime is in progress, always call 999

With these types of scams calls we always offer the following additional advice:

Police officers, banks and other government agencies will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to another account.
They will never ask you to reveal you to verify your personal details or your full banking password or PIN by phone.
The police will never ask you to handover money for safe keeping or as part of an operation.
The police and banks will never send someone to your address to collect money, cards or PIN Numbers or ask you to deliver these to another location.

Try these steps if you are approached:

Stop - take a moment to think before parting with your money or information.
Challenge - Could it be fake? It's ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests, only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect - Contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen victim to a scam. Report it.

Communities can help by ensuring they share warnings about this type of approach with neighbours, family and friends, particularly the elderly or vulnerable to ensure they are aware of these scams and the warning signs.

Read Norfolk Police's further advice on Courier Fraud.

News Alert - Free e-bike safety events being held in Norfolk from 18 to 20 March - 13 March 2026

Do you own an e-bike or use one for work?

With our colleagues in Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) we are holding a series of free e-bike safety events in March.

Join our Trading Standards officers, NFRS Prevention team and an electrical expert from Electrical Safety First to find out more about staying safe with these bikes, the dangers of conversion kits and general advice about lithium-ion batteries.

We'll be at:

Great Yarmouth - outside Market Gates Shopping Centre Wednesday 18 March 4-7pm
University of East Anglia (UEA) - The Street (upper level) Thursday 19 March 11am-2pm
Norwich City Centre (bottom of Orford Hill) Thursday 19 March 4-7pm
King's Lynn - outside the Vancouver Centre Friday 20 March 12-4pm

You can also find more information on e-bike and lithium-ion battery safety on our website

Scam Alert - Employment scam cold calls - 12 March 2026

We are warning residents about telephone cold calls making claims about employment opportunities.

Recent reports have included recorded message calls which come from a UK mobile number which state 'I'm from Indeed human resources wanting to discuss a role with you' the message goes on to ask you to 'please add my number on WhatsApp'.

Often with employment scams, if contact is made the scammer will start by asking for personal information 'to confirm identity', may ask for a CV to be sent or will send a questionnaire to complete. Providing too much personal information can put you at risk of further scams or identity theft, you should be very wary if asked to provide the following:

Your full date of birth
Full address
Passport number
Driving licence number
National Insurance number
Bank account details

Other employment scams may ask for fees to be paid upfront to cover administration, background checks or travel.

You can report Nuisance calls and messages received to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) via the ICO website

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

Cold Calling Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering driveway work - 10 March 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers in the Clenchwarton area.

This follows reports of a male cold calling at properties offering to undertake work on driveways.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers which includes:

Never allowing a cold caller access to your property or gardens
Never agreeing to further visits from them or other people
Never agreeing to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way, no matter what claims or 'special offers' are made to try and persuade you.

Anyone sighting cold callers in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101

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

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller claiming issues with properties' roof - 9 March 2026

We are warning residents about doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows reports of males cold calling in the Horsford area making a number of claims about roofs being 'in a dangerous condition' at properties. They are also believed to be delivering leaflets to properties offering a range of roof repair services. The males have been seen to be driving a white van with a several ladders on the roof.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering to lay tarmac - 6 March 2026

We are again warning residents 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.

We always advise:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your property, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for free or a small fee
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work.

It is possible these doorstep cold callers could move on to other areas around Norfolk and could approach businesses as well as residential properties.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999 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.

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep cold calling incident in NR1 area - 6 March 2026

We are reminding residents to be on their guard for doorstep cold callers.

This follows an incident reported to us in the NR1 area of Norwich. A male was seen going door to door claiming he was 'an ex juvenile offender', made references to a charity before going on to ask 'for donations'.

Our advice is always to never deal with doorstep cold callers, we are also offering the following advice to help you stay safe in your home if approached by a doorstep cold caller:

If someone cold calls at your property remember it is your doorstep so your decision whether you even answer the door, if you can check through a spy hole or look from a window to see who is there
Think about your home security, make sure other doors to your property are locked before answering the front door
If the person is offering services or trying to sell something politely but confidently say you are not interested and close the door
If the person is claiming to represent an authority, organisation or charity ask to see ID.
- If ID is offered, ask if you can take it to check its validity. If you are given the ID close the door and contact the company or organisation on the ID by a number you find online or in the phone book, DO NOT use information on the ID, it could be fake
- If no ID is offered, the caller refuses to let you check it, or you can not verify it is genuine politely but confidently say you are not interested and close the door
As the cold caller leaves, if you can safely from inside your property watch and see:
- Do they go to call at neighbouring properties?
- Do they return to a vehicle, is it sign written, can you see the make, model, colour and registration plate?
- Are they alone or working with others?
- Note down a description of the cold caller, why they were calling and who they say they were representing - all of this information is very useful to Trading Standards and the Police when looking at Cold Calling incidents

You can report doorstep cold calling incidents to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or to Norfolk Constabulary on 101. If you feel threatened or have concerns for vulnerable neighbours always dial 999.

If you would like one of our No Cold Calling door stickers contact the Norfolk County Council customer service centre on 0344 800 8020.

Why not consider setting up a No Cold Calling Zone in your community? You can find out more about our scheme at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from Apple - 5 March 2026

We are warning residents about scam emails circulating claiming to be from Apple stating that 'your iCloud storage is full' and warning that 'your photos and videos will be deleted and you may be unable to send or receive email'.

The emails, which are branded and designed to mimic genuine emails from Apple, go on to say that you must 'upgrade your account' via a link in the email or your account 'will be deactivated and all photos and videos will be removed'.

These emails are not genuine and anyone following the link will be taken to a phishing website which will attempt to gather personal, Apple ID account and financial information.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Scam Alert - Be aware for fake 'celebrity imposter' scams online - 4 March 2026

We are warning residents about 'celebrity imposter' scams online which frequently attempt to obtain money via gift cards.

Report Fraud, the UK national body for fraud reporting, believes frauds involving gift cards has increased by 25% over the past two years. Figures from them show that they had 9,386 reports of gift card fraud in 2023-4 with more than £18.5 million lost.

These scams often involve impersonators on social media who build trust with victims over time before requesting funds for fabricated emergencies, competitions, investments, or 'exclusive' fan experiences.

Common celebrity imposter scams involving gift cards include:

'Fan Cards' and VIP Memberships: Scammers pose as celebrities, often actors or musicians on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, claiming that fans must purchase a 'VIP Member Card,' 'Fan Access Card,' or 'Fan Card' to receive a private meet-and-greet, chat, or gift
Romance/Friendship Scams: Criminals build a fake relationship, sometimes posing as a celebrity, and create a bogus story for why they need urgent financial help, often requesting gift cards because they are untraceable
Fake Competitions: Scammers pose as celebrities claim that fans have won prizes in fake online competitions with payments needed in gift cards to access the fictitious prize
Fake Investment Schemes: Fraudsters use fake, celebrity-endorsed, or "get-rich-quick" investment opportunities, promising high returns on crypto or stock investments to steal money directly

Payments by gift card are becoming more frequent in these scams because:

Instant Cash: Gift cards function as untraceable, instant cash.
No Recovery: Once the gift card number and PIN are shared with a scammer, the money is gone instantly and is almost impossible to recover.
Persistence: Criminals often pressure victims, sometimes staying on the phone with them while they purchase the cards in shops

Remember, follow these steps to protect yourself:

Celebrities Do Not Ask for Money: Real celebrities will never ask for money, gift cards, or payments for 'fan memberships'
Check Verification: Only trust verified, blue-ticked social media accounts. Anyone can place a fake checkmark in their profile picture
No Direct Messages: Celebrities do not use direct messages to ask for money or to start personal relationships
Report Scams: Report fraudulent profiles to social media platforms, or Report Fraud
Never Pay with Gift Cards: If someone asks you to pay for something with a gift card, take it as a scam warning sign

If you've lost money or provided financial information as a result of any potential scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040

If you receive a suspicious email, report it by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Scam Alert - Fake DVLA emails - 3 March 2026

We are again warning residents about fake communications which claim to be from DVLA.

This follows recent reports of emails circulating that state your 'vehicle tax payment has failed' before going on to claim that you could 'fined up to £1,000' if payment is not made on time.

These emails are not from DVLA, anyone clicking on the 'update now' link provided in the text will be taken to a fake version of the DVLA website which will attempt to gather personal and financial information.

If you receive an email you are suspicious about, or think is a scam, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the message to [email protected]

You can also report suspicious messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Rogue buyers on Facebook Marketplace - 2 March 2026

Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to buy and sell goods and services, however, unfortunately the platform is also seen as a hunting ground for scammers. Scammers are there selling non-existent, fake and dangerous goods, but there are also there to try and prey on those selling products.

If you are selling on Facebook Marketplace, look out for these red flags:

Refusing to meet up in person
Moving conversations outside of Facebook Messenger
Asking for items to be shipped before payment is received
Buyers providing a prepaid shipping label
Buyers overpaying then asking for a refund of the difference
Messages claiming you need to pay a fee to 'upgrade your account'
No profile picture
Requests for your phone number or other personal information

Payment scammers pose as buyers who ask to purchase an item and claim to have sent a payment. They may send a counterfeit cheque, use a fraudulent payment method, or claim to have overpaid and request a refund for the excess amount.

Payment scammers might also exploit sellers by using payment methods that can be easily cancelled after an item has been posted or delivered.

Even in person the scammer will try to exploit a payment via a banking app buy showing the transaction on their own mobile device. Always wait for the payment to have cleared before allowing the buyer to leave with the item.

Here's a quick summary of ways to stay safe when selling on Facebook Marketplace:

Deal with local buyers whenever possible
Avoid sharing personal information unless absolutely necessary
Use secure payment methods like PayPal or cash-on-delivery
Check comments under listings for warnings from other users
Report suspicious buyers to Facebook

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep cold callers approaching properties with solar panels - 27 February 2026

We are warning residents with solar panels on their property to be on their guard for doorstep cold callers.

This follows an incident in the Acle area where a male cold called at a property claiming he had a made an appointment to visit the property. The male then asked to go into the property to check equipment within the roof space. Fortunately the resident refused access and the male left the property and was seen to return to a silver Ford Fusion which contained a second male.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property or allow someone access to your home if approached in this manner.

We also advise that solar panel owners should always talk to their supplier before allowing any work or 'maintenance' to take place on their panels.
Generally a solar panel system does not need servicing, but it may benefit from being cleaned if the panels are dirty.

Any work on the electrics of a solar panel system should only be carried out by a qualified electrician, suitably qualified electricians can be found on the Norfolk Trusted Trader website or via the Electrical Safety First Website

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Check out our Trading Standards Approved members on our online directory and read genuine feedback from their customers

Norfolk Trusted Trader- Local. Checked. Approved

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls regarding spray foam insulation - 26 February 2026

We are again warning residents to be wary of telephone cold callers making claims about spray foam installation.

Recent reports from Norfolk residents have been about calls making claims that the cold caller can 'assist in getting money back for foam installation incorrectly installed' before attempting to make an appointment for a surveyor to visit.

Frequently these companies will claim that the insulation that was put in was incorrect and will cause damp, problems with insurance and future house sales or mortgages.

While spray foam does lead to problems if applied incorrectly or on a property that isn't appropriate, it is important that consumers are aware that these companies actively contacting consumers are not always legitimate.

If you have foam insulation in your property our advice is always to do your own research before agreeing to any further work and seek an independent expert opinion on whether it needs to be removed.

If you need advice about cold calling or have agreed to a visit during a cold call please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert - WhatsApp and text Message 'family member' scam messages - 25 February 2026

We continue to receive reports from Norfolk residents of WhatsApp and text messages where fraudsters attempt to impersonate family members to steal money.

The message will often start with a generic greeting (Hello Mum / Hello Dad) or will say that this is a new mobile number (This is my new number. Dad). The messages will then say that you should save the number to your contacts.
Following further messages the fraudsters will then ask for money usually connected to the new number preventing them from paying 'an urgent bill' or similar.

The fraudsters will then provide bank details for the payment to be made to, with some coming back with further demands for money.

If you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it is from), calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are.

Stop: Take time before you respond. If you use WhatsApp make sure your two-step verification is switched on to protect your account, and that you are happy with your privacy settings.
Think: Does this request make sense? Are they asking for money? Remember that fraudsters prey on people's kindness, trust, and willingness to help.
Call: Verify that it really is your friend or family member by calling them directly or asking them to share a voice note. Only when you are 100% sure the request is from someone you know and trust, should you consider it.

You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select 'Report' and then follow the instructions.

Also remember to never share your account's activation code (that's the 6-digit code you receive via SMS).

Scam text messages can be reported by forwarding the message to 7726. Find more information on the free scam message reporting service and how to forward messages from your device on the Ofcom website.

You can report suspicious messages received to us via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'Barclays' - 23 February 2026

We are warning residents about emails circulating claiming to be from Barclays titled, 'Scheduled collection successfully set up - Important Information'.

The email claims that 'a new payment arrangement has been confirmed' before giving details of a payment to a Dental Practice for hundreds of pounds and a 'first instalment date' for a couple of days after the email is received. The email, which is designed to mimic genuine emails from Barclays in font and design, then provides an 03 telephone number 'for any questions about this arrangement'.

These emails are not from Barclays and are designed to panic the recipient into thinking large payments are about to leave their account. The 03 number given in the email is not a genuine contact number for Barclays and if contacted call handlers will attempt to gather personal, account and financial information which could then be used to target your accounts.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never use contact information, click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

If you are concerned about the security of a bank account contact your bank directly using the Customer Service number printed on your card, on a recent statement or via information available on their genuine website or app. Never use details provided in an email or via a cold call.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected].

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

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering roofing work - 20 February 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers offering roof repairs in the Holt area.

This follows an incident where a male was reported as cold calling at properties offering to undertake roof repairs. The male was see to be using a white Ford Transit Custom van.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

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

We are warning residents 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.

We always advise:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your property, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for free or a small fee
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work.

It is possible these doorstep cold callers could move on to other areas around Norfolk and could approach businesses as well as residential properties.

If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

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.

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers selling household products - 19 February 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers trying to sell household products.

This follows a number of reports across the last few days of young people cold calling in the Thetford, East Harling, Attleborough and Hethersett areas.

Our advice is never deal with anyone who cold calls at your property offering to sell something.

Anyone sighting these sellers or other doorstep cold callers in Norfolk should contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Constabulary via 101.

If you feel intimidated or sight doorstep cold callers and are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls regarding solar panels - 18 February 2026

We are continuing to warn residents with solar panels on their property to be on their guard for telephone cold callers who call making claims regarding existing systems and checks which they will state are needed.

This follows a report from a Norfolk resident who has received a call during which the cold caller made claims about being from a 'Government agency' before warning about 'calls from Rogue Traders' and then listing several company names.

The caller then attempted to make an appointment for 'a genuine company' to visit and 'check the panels'.

Our advice is always to be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and never agree to services, to having work done, to purchase additional items or for someone to visit your home if approached in this manner.

We also advise that solar panel owners should always talk to their supplier before allowing any work or 'maintenance' to take place on their panels. Generally a solar panel system does not need servicing, but it may benefit from being cleaned if the panels are dirty.

If you need advice about telephone cold calling or have agreed to a visit during a cold call contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Text messages claiming to be from Apple Pay - 18 February 2026

We are warning Apple Pay users to be alert for scam text messages that are circulating.

The messages claim that 'We have locked your account due to potential fraud'. The message then provides a link to 'verify your account'.

These messages are fake and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details.

You can also report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep cold calling incidents - 16 February 2026

We are reminding residents to be on their guard to doorstep cold calling even if they are displaying a No Cold Calling sticker.

Residents often report to us that they have had cold callers at their door despite displaying a sticker, with some reporting that the callers can be difficult to turn away and, in some cases, verbally aggressive when the presence of the sticker is pointed out.

We are asking residents to report all doorstep cold calling incidents to us, especially if their property is displaying a No Cold Calling door sticker of any type. We are also offering the following advice:

If someone cold calls at your property remember it is your doorstep so your decision whether you even answer the door, if you can check through a spy hole or look from a window to see who is there
Think about your home security, make sure other doors to your property are locked before answering the front door
If the person is offering services or trying to sell something politely but confidently say you are not interested and close the door
If the person is claiming to represent an authority, organisation or charity ask to see ID. If ID is offered, ask if you can take it to check its validity. If you are given the ID close the door and contact the company or organisation on the ID by a number you find online or in the phone book, DO NOT use information on the ID, it could be fake If no ID is offered, the caller refuses to let you check it, or you can not verify it is genuine politely but confidently say you are not interested and close the door
As the cold caller leaves, if you can safely from inside your property watch and see: Do they go to call at neighbouring properties? Do they return to a vehicle, is it sign written, can you see the make, model, colour and registration plate? Are they alone or working with others? Note down a description of the cold caller, why they were calling and who they say they were representing - all of this information is very useful to Trading Standards and the Police when looking at Cold Calling incidents

If you would like one of our No Cold Calling door stickers contact the Norfolk County Council customer service centre on 0344 800 8020.

Why not consider setting up a No Cold Calling Zone in your community? You can find out more about our scheme at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Information Alert - Home Repairs or Improvements? Make sure you #CHECK - 13 February 2026

If you looking to have work done on or around your property our advice is always to only use reputable traders you have chosen yourself.

In a recent incident a Norfolk resident was looking to have roofing work undertaken on their property and posted the job on a nationwide online listing site.
From this a trader made contact and offered to visit the same day, once at the property the trader used several 'pressure selling' style techniques to attempt to persuade the resident that the problem was extensive and that work totalling several thousand pounds was needed. The traders also put pressure on the resident to allow them to start work straight away.

When planning work remember to think #CHECK when choosing a tradesman or business for the job:

Compare - Speak with multiple tradespeople to compare. Get at least three quotes. Check with friends and family for recommendations or find a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Norfolk Trusted Trader is the only trader scheme from Norfolk County Council with members who have been Trading Standards Approved, helping you to choose with confidence and supporting quality local businesses. Take your time, legitimate traders will not rush you to make a decision
History - Ask for the traders' references, recommendations and reviews and make sure you check them out
Establish the details - What work will be carried out? When will it start? Who will be doing the work? How much will it cost? Remember that a quote is more binding than an estimate
Contract - Ensure everything is recorded and ask for a contract for the work
Keep all the paperwork - This may be needed should anything go wrong

Scam Alert - Fake antivirus software emails - 12 February 2026

We are warning residents about emails claiming to be about antivirus software.

Frequently we receive reports of these emails circulating with the majority claiming that your antivirus software has run out leaving your device open to malware and online attacks.

Recent examples, which have claimed to be from TotalAV, AVG, Norton and McAfee, include:

Renewals offered with 80% or 90% discounts if you renew via an embedded QR code or link in the text within a short time period
Notification of 'your completed renewal' with a price quoted of several hundred pounds. The email goes on to offer a phone number 'if you didn't authorise this payment'

If you receive these or similar emails do not click on any links or call any numbers quoted.

If you do receive an email from a company you have an account with, contact them directly on a trusted number, on a genuine App or log into your online account to verify the information in the email.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

You can also report scams received to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'Netflix' - 11 February 2026

We are warning Netflix customers about scam emails circulating claiming that they have 'encountered a problem with your billing information' so 'your membership is being paused'.

The emails, which are sent using Netflix logos and imagery, provide a link to 'Change payment method', anyone following the link will be taken to a fake version of the Netflix website which will attempt to gather personal and financial details.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'Apple security' - 10 February 2026

We are warning residents about scam emails circulating claiming to be from 'Apple security' stating that 'Your system is heavily damaged by 44 viruses'.

The email goes on to say that 'we have detected that your iPhone has been infected with viruses. It will soon corrupt your sim card, data, photos and contacts if no action is taken''. The email then provides a link to 'remove viruses' via a free app.

These emails are not from Apple and anyone following the link will be taken to a website which will attempt to gather personal, Apple ID and financial details.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls regarding solar panels - 9 February 2026

We are warning residents with solar panels on their property to be on their guard for telephone cold callers who call making claims regarding existing systems and checks which they will state are needed.

This follows a report from a Norfolk resident who has received a number of calls recently. During the call the cold caller makes claims about 'Government schemes' and the opportunity to 'claim payments'. The caller then attempted to make an appointment for someone to visit and 'inspect the system and take meter readings'.

Our advice is always to be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and never agree to services, to having work done, to purchase additional items or for someone to visit your home if approached in this manner.

We also advise that solar panel owners should always talk to their supplier before allowing any work or 'maintenance' to take place on their panels.

Generally a solar panel system does not need servicing, but it may benefit from being cleaned if the panels are dirty.

If you need advice about telephone cold calling or have agreed to a visit during a cold call contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller offering driveway cleaning - 6 February 2026

We are again warning residents to be aware of doorstep cold callers offering driveway cleaning.

This follows reports from the Easton area of three males cold calling at properties offering to undertake work, they are also believed to be delivering leaflets to properties offering a range of driveway and property cleaning services.

The males were seen to using a silver Toyota van on Irish registration plates with a number of ladders on its roof.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never be pressured into agreeing to have work done, no matter what offers or claims the cold caller is making
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

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.

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

News Alert - Warning over AI voice-cloning scams - 6 February 2026

National Trading Standards (NTS) are warning that criminals are using AI technology to clone people's voices and set up unauthorised direct debits over the phone, according to new evidence from NTS. The advanced voice cloning is part of an organised criminal operation that harvests people's personal data to target victims with a wave of scam and nuisance calls.

The process begins with a so-called 'lifestyle survey' phone call - seemingly harmless, but in fact designed to gather detailed personal, health and financial information. The criminals use this data to develop AI-generated voice clones used to simulate consent for direct debits, deceiving even legitimate businesses and financial providers. These details appear then to be passed or sold to other criminal operations who, with the details, can easily circumvent the banks and set up payments without the victim's knowledge. Victims often do not realise payments are being taken.

The details are revealed as new data, released by National Trading Standards, show that:

On average, UK adults receive 7 scam calls or texts per month
1 in 5 (21%) receive scam calls or texts most days - and almost 1 in 10 (9%) receive them every day
NTS blocked nearly 21 million scam phone calls and shut down 2,000 numbers in a six-month period.

Through Operation Derdap, NTS has blocked nearly 21 million scam phone calls and shut down 2,000 numbers in the last 6 months. The operation began in 2022 when it was identified that UK consumers were being cold called and coerced into providing financial and personal details to the criminals who then took continuous payments from consumers' accounts.

NTS advise that we all should:

Speak to friends and relatives about scam calls
Check bank statements regularly
Report anything suspicious

You can report suspicious or suspected scam calls to us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Emails titled 'your photos and videos will be deleted' - 5 February 2026

We are warning residents about scam emails circulating claiming to be from Google stating that 'your Cloud storage is full' and warning that 'your photos and videos will be deleted and you may be unable to send or receive email in Gmail'.

The emails, which are branded and designed to mimic genuine emails from Google, go on to say that as part of a 'loyalty programme' you may be eligible to receive a 'free 50gb upgrade' with a link to 'claim for free'.

These emails are not genuine and anyone following the link will be taken to a phishing website which will attempt to gather personal, account and financial information.

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

You can report any suspicious email received by forwarding it to [email protected]

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

Cold Calling Alert - Cold calls regarding spray foam insulation removal - 4 February 2026

We are continuing to warn residents to be wary of cold callers pressuring them to pay to have spray foam insulation removed.

Reports from Norfolk residents have involved both telephone and doorstep cold calls.

While spray foam does lead to problems if applied incorrectly or on a property that isn't appropriate, it is important that consumers are aware that these 'new' companies are not always legitimate.

Do your own research before agreeing to any further work and seek an independent expert opinion on whether it needs to be removed.

If you need advice about cold calling or have agreed to a visit during a cold call please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers claiming issues with properties' roof - 2 February 2026

We are again warning residents about doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows an incident in the Costessey area of Norwich where a male cold called at a property claiming they were 'working in the area' and that he could 'see loose tiles' on the resident's roof.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Scam Alert - Fake DVLA text messages - 2 February 2026

We are warning residents about fake text messages which claim to be from DVLA.

This follows reports of messages circulating stating 'DVLA: We failed to process your vehicle tax payment' before claiming you have a short time window to 'update your details' via a link in the message or 'you will be fined'.

These text messages are not from DVLA, anyone clicking on the 'update now' link provided will be taken to a fake version of the DVLA website which will attempt to gather personal and financial information.

You can also report suspicious messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold calls regarding 'loft insulation' - 30 January 2026

We are warning residents to be aware of telephone cold calls regarding loft insulation.

This follows a report from a Norfolk resident who received a call in which the cold caller stated that they were 'your local energy expert' and was calling about 'unsafe loft insulation' which the cold caller claimed they were 'aware was in the property' and 'could be causing damp, mould and health issues'. The cold caller then attempted to make an appoint for a 'free insulation assessment' due to the resident's age.
When challenged about how the cold caller knew about the insulation in the property and the residents age the cold caller hung up.

Scam Alert - 'New card' scam text messages - 29 January 2026

We are warning residents about 'new card' scam text messages that are circulating.

The messages, which come from random mobile numbers, state that 'A new card registered on Apple Pay' with the message going on to offer a contact number to call immediately if 'not you'.

These messages are not genuine, anyone who calls the number given will be connected to a scammer who will attempt to gather personal, account and financial details.

There are a number of versions of this message circulating with others referencing 'Apple Wallet' and 'Google Pay'

You can also report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'TV Licensing' - 27 January 2026

Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

TV Licensing offer the following advice to help spot scam TV Licence emails:

Check the sender - Genuine TV Licensing emails are sent from [email protected] or [email protected].
Partial Postcode - If you have provided us with your postcode details, our emails will include part of your postcode and/or the name on the licence
Look for your name - If you've given us your name, then we'll always address you using your last name and title. The scammers won't normally have that information about you. So, watch out for emails that only address you as "Dear client" or "Dear customer" - or just use your email address (or part of it)
Check the spelling and grammar - Because scammers can't use our genuine TV Licensing web addresses or email addresses, they'll try to use slightly different spellings - look out for things like hyphens and full stops in odd places. Be suspicious too if there are mistakes in the email with capital letters or other grammatical errors, like missing full stops - this could be a scam
Check the links - Be wary of emails promising money/refunds. For example, phrases such as, "click below to access your refund", followed by a request to provide your credit card or bank details (we would never process a refund in this way). Always check links in an email before clicking or tapping them.

If you're on a computer:

Hover over the link (but don't click it). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.

If you're on a smartphone or tablet:

Press and hold on the link (don't release while you are on the link). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.

TV Licensing offer further advice on helping you to avoid TV Licensing Scams on their website

Safety Alert - Consumer Recall Notice: Aptamil First Infant Formula - 26 January 2026

Danone is recalling Aptamil First Infant Formula because cereulide toxin has been found in the product. The affected products are:

Pack size: 800g
Batch code: 31-10-2026
Best before: 31 October 2026

If you have bought any of the above product do not feed it to babies. Instead, return it to the shop where they bought it for a full refund with or without a receipt.

For further information, contact the Aptamil Careline team on 0800 996 1000 or via the Aptamil website.

Even if you have not identified ill-health in your baby as a result of consumption of this product, it is essential to stop using it. If the infant formula was prescribed by a health professional for your infant, consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing formula. If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals, using the most appropriate route depending on where you live, (i.e., visit your GP, call NHS 111).

Scam Alert - Cryptocurrency investment scams - 26 January 2026

We frequently receive reports of individuals becoming victims of online investment scams, often involving Cryptocurrency. Losses to these scams range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.

Bitcoin is the most famous cryptocurrency, but there are more than 1,500 cryptocurrencies including other well-known ones such as Ethereum and Litecoin. Cryptocurrencies only exist online and are not controlled by a bank, treasury or country meaning you can't get physical notes or coins from the bank.

Our advice is to always ensure you understand cryptocurrency as an investment before transferring any money.

A cryptocurrency scam can take many forms, this could include:

a fake cryptocurrency which doesn't or will ever exist
a bogus investment which promises to put money in a legitimate cryptocurrency
a dangerous website link that then downloads malware onto your computer

The Financial Conduct Authority website also provides further details on how to avoid investment scams online.

If you think you have received an investment offer that you believe is a scam or you have become a victim of a scam, you can report this to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Caller offering driveway cleaning - 23 January 2026

We are warning residents to be aware of doorstep cold callers offering driveway cleaning.

This follows reports from the Attleborough area of four males cold calling at properties offering to undertake work, they are also believed to be delivering leaflets to properties offering a range of driveway and property cleaning services.

The males were seen to using a sign written red Toyota van on Irish registration plates.

Our advice is:

Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property
Never be pressured into agreeing to have work done, no matter what offers or claims the cold caller is making
Never allow a cold caller access to your home, roof or garden even if they are offering to do tasks for a small fee or free
Never pay for work before it is completed
When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work

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

Could your community help stop doorstep cold callers from targeting vulnerable people by becoming a No Cold Calling Zone? To find out more about the scheme or to apply visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nccz

Scam Alert - Emails claiming to be from 'British Gas' - 22 January 2026

We are highlighting a warning from the consumer group Which? about scam emails circulating claiming to be from 'British Gas' stating that you can 'claim your free gift' of a Google Nest Thermostat if you 'take part in our home energy survey'.

Anyone following the links will be taken to a well-designed website designed to mimic the genuine British Gas website which will attempt to gather personal and financial details as part of you claiming the non-existent prize.

If you receive this or any other suspicious email it can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the email to [email protected]

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

Scam Alert - Personal Alarm users reminded to be aware for scam 'digital switchover' cold calls - 21 January 2026

We are continuing to remind residents who use personal alarm systems to be aware for telephone cold calls claiming that you need to make immediate payments or 'renew' personal or bank account details as part of 'digital switchover'.

Common digital switchover calls include:

'Payment Required' Scams: Callers claim you must make an immediate, one-off, or monthly payment to upgrade your pendant or personal alarm to a digital-compatible version
'Service Disconnected' Threats: Scammers warn that if you do not pay or provide bank details immediately, your emergency alarm will stop working
Bogus Provider Calls: Fraudsters claim your current telecare provider has gone out of business or that they are working with the NHS or local council to install new equipment

Our advice to all users of personal alarm systems is always be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and never give or confirm any personal or financial details, make payments or agree to someone visiting your home if approached in this manner.

To help protect yourself remember:

The Switch is Free: Upgrading your telecare equipment to a digital version is generally handled by your local council or alarm provider and is free of charge
Trust Known Providers: If you are unsure, hang up immediately and call your care alarm provider back using the number on your device or in their official documentation
Don't Rush: Take time to verify the caller. Scammers use high-pressure tactics to force quick decisions.

You can report any suspicious telephone cold calls received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert - Fake parcel delivery messages - 20 January 2026

We are warning residents about messages claiming to relate to a parcel delivery which state they are unable to deliver the item or that you have missed the delivery.

Recent examples have included emails which claims to be from 'Royal Mail' and state 'sorry we couldn't deliver your items today because nobody was there to sign for it or it was too big for your letterbox'.
The message goes on to provide a link to 'reschedule a new delivery date'.

If you receive a suspicious parcel delivery message do not click on any links.

Suspicious or scam emails can be reported by forwarding the message to [email protected]

You can also report scams received to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133

Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering to trim trees - 20 January 2026

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of two males doorstep cold calling in the Shipdham area offering to trim trees.

The two males were seen to be using a white Ford Transit Custom van.

Our advice is never deal with doorstep cold callers and never agree to have work done on or around your property if approached in this way. When looking to have work done only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from.

If you see cold callers operating in Norfolk please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.