Consumer scam alerts

You can report scams to our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, online on the Citizens Advice website 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.

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• The Citizens Advice website has information about common consumer scams to look out for
• Trading Standards Institute list the latest product recalls here
• The Food Standards Agency lists the latest food safety alerts here

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Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold callers offering gardening and tree work – 21 March 2023

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

This follows two reports today from Norfolk residents. In the first incident a man cold called at a property in the North Wootton area offering to cut down trees. The resident declined the offer, and the man was seen to return to a white Ford Transit Tipper which contained two further men.

The second incident took place in the Holt area where a man approached a resident who was working in their garden and asked when trees in their and a neighbour’s garden were last ‘cut back’. The resident declined the offer and reported the incident to us.

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. Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. Check out our new updated online directory to see our members and read feedback from their customers. 

Safety Alert – Office for Product Safety and Standards identified unsafe toothed saw blade attachments – 21 March 2023

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has identified that toothed saw blade attachments, available for sale for use with angle grinders, are unsafe. These attachments increase the risk of kick back and loss of control of the angle grinder when in use, which could lead to serious injury or fatality. Kick back is caused when the blade snags or strikes an object during operation causing the tool to be suddenly forced backwards towards the operator.

• If you have a toothed saw blade attachment, never use it on an angle grinder
• If the attachment was sold for this purpose, contact the seller for redress
• Businesses selling saw tooth blades as attachments for angle grinders must remove them from the market immediately as this does not comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
• Members of the public are encouraged to report businesses selling these products to us via 0808 223 1133

Under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, only safe machinery can be placed on the market. Angle grinders and all interchangeable equipment must comply with essential safety requirements. The relevant standard, BS EN 60745-2-3, requires product instructions to bear the following warning: ‘Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade or toothed saw blade. Such blades create frequent kickback and loss of control.’

Any attachments intended for use with angle grinders that increase the risk of kick back and loss of control are unable to meet the essential safety requirements and should not be used together.

Consumers and users should only use attachment types on angle grinders that are recommended by the angle grinder manufacturer, and should always follow the instructions provided.

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold callers attempting to sign consumers up to contracts – 20 March 2023

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers attempting to sign consumers up to contracts.

This follows reports from the NR3 area earlier this week.

Our advice is never deal with anyone who cold calls at your property offering to sell something or asking you to agree to a contract.

It is possible these doorstep cold callers could move onto other locations in Norfolk.

Anyone spotting 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 spot doorstep cold callers and are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be ‘bank security’ – 9 March 2023

We are warning Norfolk residents to continue to be aware of telephone cold calls claiming to be ‘bank security’.

During the call, the cold caller will make claims of issues with the call recipients’ bank account, these can include ‘fraudulent activity’, ‘attempted cash withdrawals’ and even ‘theft by bank employees’.

The cold caller will then use several techniques to convince the call recipient to hand over their bank details, transfer money to a ‘new or safe account’ or withdraw cash to be passed to a courier.

Residents are reminded that your bank or the police will never ask you to withdraw money, transfer account balances or purchase items.

Further advice includes:

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details to anyone
• Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you
• Always request photo ID and if unsure call the police
• If you're asked to telephone a bank, then always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on
• Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ringtones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Ensure you can hear a dialling tone before calling police or use a friend or neighbour's telephone instead
• Never download any software suggested by caller
• Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands or requests
• Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do

If you are concerned about the security of a bank account, 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. Never use details provided during a cold call.

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

Information Alert – Websites offering CSCS Cards – 4 March 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Scam Alert – WhatsApp ‘family member’ scam messages – 3 March 2023

We are continuing to receive reports from Norfolk residents of WhatsApp messages where scammers attempt to impersonate family members in an attempt to steal money.

The message will often start “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad” and will say that they are texting from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged. They will then ask for money to purchase a new one or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill.

The scammer 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. Make sure your WhatsApp two-step verification is switched on to protect your account, that you are happy with your privacy settings
• Think: Does this request make sense? Are they asking for money? Remember that scammers 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).

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

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold calling incidents – 1 March 2023

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 cannot 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 and is it sign-written
  • Are the make, model, colour and registration plate visible
  • 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 us 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 our 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 – Telephone cold calls claiming to be ‘bank security’ – 23 February 2023

We are warning residents after receiving a report of telephone calls which claim to be from ‘bank security’ making claims that your account has had a number of “suspicious cash movements”.

The recent report targeted a resident requesting him to send money to a bank account after the caller said there were a couple of suspicious cash movements. The male caller asked for a transaction of £132 which alerted the resident who terminated the call. He was targeted again using a different number and also with a number withheld.

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 to effect repairs on driveways in the King’s Lynn area – 23 February 2023 

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving a report of cold callers offering to effect repairs on driveways in the King’s Lynn area. 

In the incident the cold callers were reported as being several men who were seen to making numerous calls offering work such as paving, re-surfacing and cleaning. 

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.  

It is possible these doorstep cold callers could move on to other areas around Norfolk. 

Anyone sighting these cold callers 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 sight these cold callers and are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

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

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

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

Safety Alert – Glen Dimplex important safety notice for a number of their Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers – 9 February 2023

We are again highlighting an important safety notice issued by Glen Dimplex for a number of their Belling, Stoves and New World Gas Range Cookers with Gas Grill (90, 100 & 110 models) after a potential safety issue was identified which could cause extremely dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to be produced if the grill is used with the grill door closed.

A full list of affected models is available on the GOV.UK website. Further information is also available from the manufactures websites:

• Belling website
• Stoves website
• New World website

All owners of the affected models need to urgently contact Stoves, Belling and New World to book a modification by contacting 0800 110 5728 or email consumersupport@glendimplex.com in order to confirm if their cooker is affected and book a visit so the simple fix can be implemented.

Scam Alert – Text messages about your accounts or payments – 8 February 2023

We frequently receive reports about text messages claiming to be from various companies and organisations stating there are issues with accounts or payments.

 

These messages are spammed out randomly to huge numbers of mobile numbers hoping to trick people into clicking on a link which will take them to bogus versions of the organisation’s genuine website. There it will attempt to gather personal, login and financial details.

The messages will often claim that accounts have been frozen, that money is about to leave the account, that payments can’t be made or that there is unusual or fraudulent activity with the aim of panicking the recipient into reacting.

If you receive messages like these our advice is:

• Do not click on any links or open attachments
• Do not reply to the message
• Do not call any numbers given in these messages

You can report suspicious or spam text messages to your network operator by forwarding the message to 7726. You may get an automated response thanking you for the report and giving you further instructions if needed. You will not be charged for sending texts to 7726.

If you are concerned about the security of an account contact the 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 text message.

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

Scam Alert – Beware of charity scams – 7 February 2023

Times of crisis may bring out the best in people, but they are a magnet for scammers, and sadly right now is no different.

Fraudsters follow the headlines and have already been working overtime to create ways to encourage people to part with their cash and personal information. We saw this with the Australian bushfires in January 2020, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and with the war in Ukraine.

If you are looking to help people in Turkey and Syria, please donate wisely – do your research first so you give without getting scammed.

Please protect yourself with the following information:

• Scammers will pretend to be legitimate well-known charities, creating their own charity names, and impersonating people impacted by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
• Scammers will be cold-calling, direct messaging and creating fake websites and pages on social media to raise funds. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails, texts or social media messages. They may attempt to lure you into unwittingly downloading malware onto your device or take you to a fake website to steal your money and personal information
• Do not donate via fundraising pages on platforms that do not verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser or that do not guarantee your money will be returned if the page is determined to be fraudulent
• Be careful about crowdfunding requests as these may be fake and also come from scammers. Check the terms and conditions of funding platforms and ensure you are dealing with official organisations. If you are unsure, make your donation to an established charity instead 

If you think you have paid money to a scammer, please contact your bank immediately.

You can report scam contacts you have received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Fake parcel delivery emails – 3 February 2023

We are again warning residents about scam emails making claims about parcel deliveries. The messages will often state they are ‘shipping notices’, ‘package delivery notices’, ‘delivery status updates’ or ‘unable to deliver your parcel’.

All the messages will then contain a link to either see or update your information or arrange the delivery/redelivery. These links will lead to bogus websites that attempts to gain personal information or take payments for ‘redelivery’.

These scam emails are sent by criminals who have created fake websites to look similar to the genuine websites, with the same branding, layout and font choices.

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 report@phishing.gov.uk.

If you think you have interacted with a scam email and provided scammers with your financial details you should contact your bank immediately.

You can also report all scams to us via our partners the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold caller offering to undertake roofing work – 1 February 2023

We are warning residents to be aware of doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows an incident in which a man cold called at a property in the Heacham area, telling the resident that they had ‘done some work on the roof a few years ago‘ and could see the roof ‘needed repairs again’. The resident declined the offer and reported the incident to us.

Our advice is:

• Never deal with cold callers looking to do 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 starting 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 and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader.

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 – Energy Bills Support Scheme scams – 26 January 2023

We are again reminding Norfolk residents to be aware for automated telephone cold calls and text messages stating there are ‘eligible’ or need to ‘claim’ their energy bill discount.

Remember:

• You do not need to apply for the scheme
• You do not need to give you bank details

If you receive a contact asking you to apply or provide details it is a scam.

For more information on the Energy Bills Support Scheme visit the GOV.UK website.

Citizens Advice have also produced guidance for consumers on traditional prepayment meters, this can be found on the Citizens Advice website.

You can report scam text messages or cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Investment Scams – 25 January 2023

Criminals are targeting Instagram users with fraudulent investment schemes.

Fraudsters approach (or are approached by) victims via the instant messaging feature of the platform after advertising their service. They claim to only require an initial investment of a few hundred pounds which they say will be used to trade on the stock market or to buy and trade foreign currency (Forex) until they have multiplied the investment several times within a matter of days which is paid to the victim after a small commission is deducted for the service.

In reality, once the initial investment has been transferred the victim is given a series of excuses as to why their money and ‘profits’ cannot be returned unless more money is sent. Eventually all contact is severed, and the victim is blocked by the suspect. Victims are usually requested to send the money by bank transfer or through a cryptocurrency platform which means it is nearly impossible to retrieve

Whilst individual financial losses from this fraud are comparably smaller than other types of fraudulent investment schemes, this fraud targets a younger demographic, typically aged between 20 and 30, with less savings or those who are financially vulnerable and are searching for a quick and easy way to make money.

Spot the signs and protect yourself:

• Unsolicited offers: A common tactic used by criminals is to promote ‘investment’ opportunities via social media accounts, promising large returns from a small up-front payment. Never respond to any requests to send money, or have money transferred through your account, by someone you don’t know and trust.
• Investment opportunities: Don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into making a transaction on the spot.
• Seek advice first: Speak with a trusted friend or family members and seek independent professional advice before making significant financial decisions.
• FCA register: Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money

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.

Scam Alert – Facebook Messenger messages stating you can ‘claim grant money’ – 23 January 2023

We are warning Facebook users to be aware of messages which appear to be from existing Facebook friends sent via the Messenger service which claims that they have recently been successful in claimed a grant from the ‘Facebook Community Development Block Grant’ and encouraging you to do the same.

The message tells you to contact another person on Facebook to ‘claim your money’ via a link in the text.

These messages are a scam and are a variation of an ‘advance fee fraud’. Anyone contacting the person named will be asked to pay ‘fees’ or ‘charges’ to receive the grant that does not exist.

In a recent incident a Norfolk resident was approached in this way and was told to purchase a £500 Apple gift card which was to pay for the ‘delivery charge’ on a £30,000 grant they would be receiving. Fortunately when the resident attempted to buy the card in a local supermarket staff were suspicious of the reasons for the purchase, prevented the transaction going ahead and reported the incident.

If you receive this or a similar message via Messenger our advice is do not interact with the message and contact the friend via another route, if you have one, and advise them their Facebook profile may have been compromised.

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

If you think you’ve fallen for a scam message and provided financial details, 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 messages and posts to Facebook via their Help Centre. Find out more on the Facebook website. 

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’ – 19 January 2023

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

We continue to receive reports from Norfolk residents of recorded message calls claiming to be from Amazon. Previously these have included:

• that ‘you are required to make a payment of £399 to your Amazon account’ the call then states you can ‘press 1 to speak to an advisor’
• that ‘an order of £700 has place for an iPhone, if this isn’t you please press 1
• that ‘a payment has been taken to renew your Amazon Prime subscription’ the call then states you can ‘press 1 to cancel the payment’
• that ‘a purchase costing £1,000 has been made on your Amazon account’ the call then states you can ‘press 1 if you did not make this purchase’
• that ‘£1,000 has been charged to your Amazon account’ the call then states you can ‘press 1 to speak to the Amazon fraud team’

Where residents have interacted with the call, 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.

Cold Calling Alert – Telephone cold calls regarding ‘loft insulation’ – 19 January 2023

We are again 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 claimed they were calling to offer a ‘free loft insulation checks’.

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

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 claiming issues with properties’ roof – 18 January 2023

We are warning residents to be aware of doorstep cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

This follows an incident where a male cold called at a property in the Taverham area telling the resident that they ‘could see the roof needed repairing’. The cold caller then went onto the roof before the resident could stop them before returned to the resident and stating that the work would cost £4,000. The resident declined the offer and reported the incident to us.

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 and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader

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

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Wells-next-the-sea, a premises near Cromer and a fifth premises near Taverham, Norfolk – 13 January 2023

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

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

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold callers selling household products – 9 January 2023

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

The most recent report was from the Diss area where a young man cold called at a property around 8pm on Sunday 8 attempting to sell household items. After the resident declined to make a purchase, the man made a number of attempts to persuade the resident to buy items, including making several claims about the negative effect on ‘his future’ not selling all the items would have.

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

Often this type of cold caller will claim to be an ‘ex offender’, or that they have ‘been in trouble with the police’, 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, and cleaning products.

It is possible these sellers could move on to other areas within Norfolk.

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 – Telephone cold calls claiming to be ‘bank security’ – 5 January 2023

We are again warning residents after receiving reports of telephone calls which claim to be from ‘bank security’ making claims that your account ‘has been blocked’ or ‘is compromised’.

Previously, reports have included both live and automated calls which then attempt to gather personal and financial details.

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.

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed and controls put in place at a premises near Diss and a third premises near Fakenham, Norfolk – 5 January 2023

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

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

Scam Alert – Fake parcel delivery text messages – 4 January 2023

We are continuing to receive reports of fake parcel delivery text messages which lead to bogus websites that attempts to gain personal information or take payments.

Previous examples have included texts claiming to be from Royal Mail, EVRI, DPD and the Post Office.

These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake website to look similar to the genuine websites, with the same branding, layout and font choices.

If you receive these or similar texts do not click on the link.

If you think you have provided scammers with your financial details you should contact your bank immediately.

If you receive what you think is a fake or scam text message, forward it, including the phone number or company name, to 7726. All phone operators now use this number as the short code to report spam and scam texts, which is free of charge. It won’t cost you anything and it means your phone provider can investigate the sender.

Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘British Gas’ – 4 January 2023

We are warning residents to be aware of telephone cold calls claiming to be from ’British Gas’.

This follows a report from a Norfolk resident who received a call during which the caller stated they were calling from ‘British Gas’ and needed to make an appointment to visit the resident’s home as they ‘were aware of an issue with the property’s gas meter’. When the resident questioned what the issue was and how they knew about it, the cold caller was very evasive in their answers and the resident chose to end the call.

Subsequently the resident contacted British Gas directly who confirmed the cold call had not been from them and there was no record of any issue with their gas meter.

We always advise people to be very wary of claims made during telephone cold calls. If you receive a cold call and you are unsure of the validity of the call, our advice is hang up and then make contact with the company the caller claimed to be representing using the customer service number printed on a recent statement or via information available on their genuine website or app. Never use any 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.

Safety Alert – Belling issues urgent safety notice for a number of their 60cm gas cookers – 3 January 2023

We are highlighting an urgent safety notice issued by Belling for a number of their 60cm Gas Cookers after a potential safety issue was identified which could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.

Belling are urging consumers who have bought any of the following models since June 2020 not to use their ovens until they have sent an engineer to check the appliance. You can still use your hob.

The affected models are:

• Belling Cookcentre 60G, black, product code - 444410824
• Belling Cookcentre 60G, stainless steel, product code - 444410825
• Belling Farmhouse 60G, silver, product code - 444410791
• Belling Farmhouse 60G, cream, product Code - 444444716
• Belling Farmhouse 60G, black, product code - 444444717
• Belling Farmhouse 60G, hot jalapeno, product code - 444444718

There is a possibility that an incorrect part may have been fitted to the flue pipe at the rear of these appliances, which could hamper ventilation. An engineers must inspect the appliance, and replace the part if necessary, before you use the oven again.

You can check if you have one of the above appliances by opening the door of the main oven and locating the data badge on the front lower panel. Here you will find the model number (a nine-digit number, starting with 4444) and the eight-digit serial number.

If you have a cooker affected by this safety notice contact Belling on freephone 0800 093 9945 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or by email to consumersupport@glendimplex.com. Belling will arrange for an engineer to visit your home to inspect the appliance.

If the part is found to be incorrect, a fix will be made on site during the visit. The visit and fix will be free of charge.

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold callers selling household products – 3 January 2023

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

This follows a recent report from the Beeston area of young men doorstep cold calling.

Often this type of cold caller will claim to be ‘ex offenders’ or that they have ‘been in trouble with the police’, 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, and cleaning products.

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 – Links leading to telephone calls selling investments – 15 December 2022

We are warning residents about using links that as a response are followed up with a telephone call offering investments in various money-making opportunities.

In a report received at the end of last week, a resident saw an article on Facebook about some people who had made some money quickly through investing in bitcoin. 

After clicking on the link, they received a telephone call. The person on the other end of the phone (who used a made-up name), seemed plausible so the resident originally only parted with £250. After this was invested, they were persuaded eventually to invest £4000 over a couple of weeks, The faker helped set up bank free online accounts so that money could be changed to bitcoin which the fraudster used.

It reached a point where the resident felt very uncomfortable because they were always being asked for more money so, in an effort to stop, they asked to withdraw it all. Then an email was received from the finance department using a fraudulent .com address. This email said £5000 was needed to pay the exchange fees, so more money was sent. Another email arrived that said the price had risen again because of exchange rates. Another £200 was sent. The next day the trickster said the money hadn't come through in time, so they asked for a dormant fee. This fee was £2400 to cover the first £2000 after exchange fees then another £5,500, at which point they said they had received enough and said the money was pending. Then the scammers asked for a mining tax fee of about another £6000, which was when the resident realised that this was nothing but a scam.

Action Fraud are warning that these cold calls often use high pressure selling techniques and the promise of high returns to persuade people to part with money.

They offer the following advice to avoid falling victim to an investment fraud:

• If you see a suspicious link on a social media site, be wary and just ignore it
• If you’re considering any type of investment, always remember: if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. High returns can only be achieved with high risk
• Never be rushed into an offer and always be on your guard against anyone trying to push you into a deal
• Take the time to seek independent legal or financial advice before making a decision

Always check the credentials of the company you’re dealing with. Check for known fraudulent organisations at the FCA.

We advise all residents to be very wary of these links and any offers made during a telephone cold call. Never buy items, make investments or commit to visits if you are approached this way.

Scam Alert – Unsolicited Emails claiming to be from “FreshBooks” – 15 December 2022

We are advising Norfolk residents and businesses of a phishing scam circulating encouraging you to “cancel your subscription” to “FreshBooks” after making a subscription.

FreshBooks is an accounting software packaging designed to assist the self-employed or small businesses with financial management.

The email is a spoof, only designed to harvest your personal details for identity fraud and to fleece your bank account of your hard-earned funds and savings.

Genuine Freshbooks users are being notified of the scam via twitter and other social media, however fraudsters are targeting individuals at random.

If you receive something like this, take five to think before clicking on any links or responding. Criminals often include the branding and logos of trusted organisations in emails to trick you into thinking they're genuine.

For more information on reporting any suspicious messages or calls visit the GOV.UK website.

Help us spread the word – pass on the message to those close to you who may be at risk of being caught out.

Information Alert – Scamnesty 2022 – 15 December 2022

Friends Against Scams are continuing their Scamnesty 2022 campaign.

Scam mail is primarily targeted at those over 65. Have a chat with family, friends, or people you work with today about scams and look out for:

• Fake lotteries or prize draws
• Fake psychics
• Bogus health cures
• Investment scams

There's never a better time to have a conversation about scams than when we’re together with family. If you or your loved ones receive scam mail, re-gift it to the Friends Against Scams team for investigation.

If you, or someone you know is in receipt of scam or nuisance mail, you can send it to the Friends Against Scams team to investigate by posting it (no need for a stamp) to NTSST, Freepost, Mail Marshals.

To find out more about the Scamnesty visit the Friends Against Scams website.

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep Cold Callers offering gardening and tree work – 14 December 2022

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

This follows reports from the Hellesdon area of a male doing door to door offering to undertake tree 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.

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 new updated online directory to see our members and read feedback from their customers.

Scam Alert – Energy Bills Support Scheme scams – 13 December 2022

We are continuing to receive reports from Norfolk residents who have received automated telephone cold calls and text messages stating they are ‘eligible’ or need to ‘claim’ their energy bill discount.

Remember:

• You do not need to apply for the scheme
• You do not need to give you bank details

If you receive a contact asking you to apply or give details it is a scam. For more information on the Energy Bills Support Scheme visit the GOV.UK website.

You can report scam text messages or cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Information Alert – Scamnesty 2022 – 8 December 2022

Friends Against Scams are continuing their Scamnesty 2022 campaign.

Many mail scams are known as ‘advance fee’, as they ask you to pay a fee in advance to receive money that you’re supposedly entitled to.

They often include:

• Official language or stamps/seals
• The amount that you’re entitled to
• A short deadline to create urgency
• Sometimes certificates or fake cheques

Criminals will also make scam mail personal and address you by name to make it feel as if you’ve been specially selected to receive the mailing.

Every year the Friends Against Scams team run a Scamnesty campaign using their Freepost mailbox where you can send any scam mail you’ve received free of charge to help with their investigations.

If you, or someone you know is in receipt of scam or nuisance mail, you can send it to the Friends Against Scams team to investigate by posting it (no need for a stamp) to NTSST, Freepost, Mail Marshals

To find out more about the Scamnesty visit the Friends Against Scams website.

Cold Calling Alert – Doorstep cold calling incidents – 8 December 2022

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

We often receive report from residents who 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 us 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 call our 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 – Online account registrations and unknown charges on bank accounts – 6 December 2022

We have recently been contacted by two residents who had become aware of possible attempts to defraud them.

In the first incident the resident noticed emails from companies saying their email address had been used to register for online accounts. These stood out to the resident as they were for websites the resident had never visit or in fact heard of before.

In the second incident a resident noticed on their bank statement that there were unexpected payments leaving their account to a service they were not using or had ever contacted.

It is important that we all do what we can to try to ensure we keep our personal and banking information as secure as possible but if you become aware of unusual activity either through emails received or when checking bank statements that you take steps to protect yourself.

If you become aware of unusual activity on your bank account or credit card, you should contact your bank or service provider directly using the Customer Service number printed on the card, on a recent statement, via information available on their genuine website or app or by visiting a branch. Never use details provided in an unexpected email or cold call. Citizens Advice offer further advice around banking, security and fraud on their website.

If you are concerned about unexpected online account registrations, you can find out more about staying safe from Identity Theft and Identity Fraud on the Action Fraud website.

If you have received something which you think could be a scam, you can contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Mileham, Norfolk – 01 December 2022

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

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

Scam Alert – ‘Family member’ scam messages – 30 November 2022

We are reminding residents to be aware of text messages where scammers attempt to impersonate family members in an attempt to steal money.

The messages, often starting ‘hi/hello mum’ will claim that ‘their phone’ is unusable and ask to be contacted via WhatsApp on another number.

If contact is made the sender will send some ‘normal’ messages and then highlight a problem such as a broken item and that needs money to be transferred for fixing or for an urgent bill to be paid.

Our advice if you receive a message like this, always be suspicious, especially if a request for money is involved, and try and contact the person who the message claims to be from via another known number or method.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information Alert – Scamnesty 2022 – 28 December 2022

Friends Against Scams are launching their Scamnesty 2022 Campaign.

The Friends Against Scams team want to encourage everyone in the UK to send in any unwanted scam and nuisance mail that they receive into the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team completely free of charge.

If you, or someone you know is in receipt of scam or nuisance mail, the NTS Scams Team's Investigators want to see it. They already use the mail that they receive from Scam Marshals to great effect through their disruption techniques, but the team would like to see more and put a stop to these mailings landing on consumers' doorsteps.

To find out more about the Scamnesty visit the Friends Against Scams website

Scam mail is primarily targeted at those over 65. Have a chat with family, friends, or people you work with today about scams and look out for:

• fake lotteries or prize draws
• fake psychics
• bogus health cures
• investment scams

If you think something is a potential postal scam, you can send it to the Friends Against Scams team to investigate by posting it (no need for a stamp) to NTSST, Freepost, Mail Marshals

Scam Alert –World Cup “Tickets to the Final” Lottery Email Scams – 23 November 2022

We high-lighting football lottery scams as we have become aware of emails offering prizes of tickets, accommodation, and fights to Qatar for the final. Some say, “You have been entered for” and others ask for a small fee. These scams are often using the extra “hook” by promising spending money if England or Wales are in the final.

The real intention is just like all lottery scams is to harvest your personal information ready for identity fraud or to put a “worm” or “malware” on your computer. The links given are fake and made-up by the fraudsters.

If you receive this type of scam, delete it straight away and check your trash junk-box.

Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid lottery scams:

• If you haven’t entered a lottery, then you can’t have won it. Never respond to unexpected communications.
• Official lotteries in other countries operate in much the same way as the UK’s National Lotto. No official lotteries that we know of contact people who know nothing about the lottery to tell them of their win.
• We don’t know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings. Any request for a fee payment is a good indication that someone is trying to scam you.
• Never disclose your bank details or pay fees in advance to claim a lottery win
• If they’ve provided an email address to respond to, be very suspicious of addresses such as @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com or numbers beginning with 07 because these are free to get hold of
• Genuine lotteries thrive on publicity. If they ask you to keep your win a secret, it’s likely to be a scam.

Many examples of lottery scam letters have bad spelling and grammar – see this as a warning that fraudsters are at work.

Cold Calling Alert – Telephone calls claiming to help with Government money –23 November 2022

We are alerting Norfolk residents as we have received a report from our colleagues over in Great Yarmouth after an officer recently visited a tenant. The tenant advised she had received a telephone call from a man claiming to help with the money being given by the government. This caller asked her for her bank card number so he could make sure it goes into the right account. She gave him the long card number and as soon as she put the telephone down, she knew she should not have done so. Fortunately, the scammers could not take any money and her bank telephoned/wrote to her later and arranged for her to receive a new card.

Fraudsters are seeking out victims and using the cost-of-living crisis to exploit people’s vulnerability.

These callers have no connection with the government, or any organisations connected to the government. They have tricked and harassed many victims into handing over hundreds of pounds, only to realise that the call was a scam and they find themselves now even further in debt.

No government body would ever call asking for personal bank details, offer money back on payments or credit card charges.

Anyone who has given out their personal information to a cold-caller they now think was a fraudster should contact their bank immediately.

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises in Taverham, Norfolk – 23 November 2022

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

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

Scam Alert – Romance Scam Emails – 23 November 2022

After receiving some information this week it appears that scammers are circulating emails containing romance type of fraud material.

“Good day, From Kazakhstan, I am 34 y.o. and my name is Alina. I am searching for a serious relationship. Next month I will have a long vacation and I am ready to meet. Email me back if you are serious and looking for a serious relationship too. I will send a pictires and write more about me if you are interested. But do not ask me naked pictures. I have not and will never send. I am searching for a serious relationship. Please do not answer if you are not serious or married. Serious relationship is very important to me. I will not waste time playing games. I hope you understand me and answer. Alina”

The email might appear convincing, but the small spelling and grammatical errors are the first giveaway that it is a fake. The immediate request for a reply is also a red flag. Once hooked fraudsters will start conversations to ask innocent sounding questions like your date of birth, name of first pet or home address with a view to obtaining information to commit identity fraud.

Action Fraud has the following advice to ensure you protect yourself while using dating apps:

Protect yourself

• Avoid giving away too many personal details when dating online. Revealing your full name, date of birth and home address may lead to your identity being stolen.
• Never send or receive money or give away your bank details to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how much you trust them or believe their story
• Pick a reputable dating website and use the site’s messaging service. Fraudsters want to quickly switch to social media or texting so there’s no evidence of Once a fraudster using a fake dating profile is confident that they’ve won your trust, they will tell you about a problem they’re experiencing and ask you to help by sending money.

Spot the signs

• You’ve struck up a relationship with someone online; they’re asking a lot of personal questions about you, but they're not interested in telling you much about themselves.
• They invent a reason to ask for your help, using the emotional attachment you’ve built with them. Your relationship with them may often depend on you sending money.
• Their pictures are too perfect – they may have been stolen from an actor or model. Reverse image search can find photos that have been taken from somewhere else.

If you been the victim of a dating scam, you can report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you have sent money or provided financial information to what you now think could be a scam contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one listed on your statement, their website or on the back of your debit or credit

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep Cold Callers - Roofers – 23 November 2022

We are raising residents’ awareness after an increase of notifications from people that there are traders in Norfolk offering to fix “various” roofing problems. These traders have all the characteristics of rogue traders.

In one incident in the Costessey area of Norwich last week, a male gave a verbal quote while at the property but failed to provide the resident with any address details or any of the written information that is required by law, despite taking many thousands in cash. When the resident tried to contact the tradesman on the mobile phone number provided, no one answered, despite numerous attempts made.

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 and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader

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

Information Alert – Avian influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at further premises in Norfolk – 17 November 2022

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

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

Scam Alert – Automated telephone cold calls claiming to be from HMRC – 17 November 2022

We are again receiving reports from Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Recent reports have included an automated recorded message calls which state they are from ‘HMRC’ and that ‘a case for unpaid tax has been raised against you’ and that ‘you must press 1 to speak to a supervisor or a warrant for your immediate arrest will be issued’.

Often these calls come from a range of different ‘spoofed’ numbers and previously residents have reporting receiving a number of calls in quick succession.

These calls are not genuine and do not come from HMRC. If you receive this or a call making similar claims or threats do not interact with the call in any way and hang up immediately.

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

You can also report suspicious HMRC phone calls received via the GOV.UK online form including the:

• Date of the call
• Phone number used
• Content of the call

You can also report suspected scam telephone calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 113.

Scam Alert – Emails claiming to be from ‘IPS’ about a parcel they were ‘unable to deliver’– 16 November 2022

We are warning residents about scam emails which are circulating which claim to be from ‘IPS’ which state they were ‘unable to deliver your parcel as there was no one present to sign for the delivery’

The email also contains a ‘Tracking ID’ number and a link to ‘check here’ to allow the recipient to confirm the address to ‘reconfirm the parcel shipping’

The email is fake and is designed to fool people by looking like an email from the genuine multinational parcel company UPS by using a similar logo, design, colours and even an image showing a UPS vehicle.

UPS offer advice about scam emails using their name along with a range of examples scam emails on their website. They also state that if you ‘think you have received a fraudulent email from someone claiming to be UPS’ you can ‘forward the email to fraud@ups.com and then delete the email’.

If you have received a suspicious email which could be a scam our advice is:

• Do not click on any links within the text
• Do not open any attachments Suspicious emails can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the email to report@phishing.gov.uk or you can report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Scam Alert – Accommodation rental scams – 15 November 2022

We are reminding residents looking to rent accommodation to make sure they are aware of rental scams and frauds.

Rental fraud happens when would be tenants are tricked into paying an upfront fee to rent a room or property.

Fraudsters advertise rooms or properties to rent at attractive rates and in excellent locations to lure in victims. Adverts will seem genuine and are accompanied by photos and contact information. However, fake landlords then trick victims who show interest into handing over a fee even before they’ve had a chance to view the room, flat or house, claiming the property is in high demand and will be off the market if they don’t act fast. Often, the landlord will say that they live far away and therefore need the money upfront before any viewings can be considered.

Action Fraud offer the following advice to avoid accommodation rental fraud:

If you’re searching for accommodation:

• Only use reputable letting companies
• Do some online research such as using Google maps to check the property does exist
• Make an appointment to view the property in person, and always view the property prior to paying any advance fees. If a landlord requests money upfront:
  
  • Be wary. Landlords should never ask for a ‘holding deposit’ due to high demand
  • Don't feel pressured into handing over money. Landlords usually want to know they’re getting the right tenants first – they’ll request background checks such as employment or character references before asking for any fees. You can read more about Rental Fraud on the Action Fraud website

If you need advice about scams, you can contact our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at further premises in Norfolk – 10 November 2022

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

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

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Openreach’ – 9 November 2022

We are warning residents after receiving reports of telephone calls during which the caller claimed to be from ‘Openreach’ and stated they could ‘save money on your phone contract’. The cold caller then attempted to gather personal and financial details from the resident.

Openreach state that they ‘will never ask you for personal information like bank details – either in person, over the phone or by email. We’ll also never ask to remotely access your computer, phone or tablet’. Openreach offer further advice about contacts claiming to be from them on their website.

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 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.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls about ‘money transfers’ – 9 November 2022

We are warning residents after receiving reports of automated telephone calls which claim amounts of money, often several hundred pounds, have ‘been transferred to a foreign bank account’.

Following these initial claims, the message will then give press button options or a number to call to ‘prevent further transactions’.

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

It is likely there are a number of variations of these calls stating different amounts and actions that can be taken.

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 selling ‘their’ artwork – 7 November 2022

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers attempting to sell ‘their’ artwork.

Reports indicate a group of cold callers carrying cards stating they are deaf and that they are selling ‘their’ artwork. The cards also make claims as to what they need the money for which has included ‘funding their education’.

This approach is a scam with groups targeting an area for a short time before moving on. The ‘hand drawn artwork’ they claim to be carrying is often mass-produced images or photocopies.

Reports over the weekend have been in and around the Diss area but it is possible that doorstep cold callers using this approach could appear in other parts of Norfolk in the coming days.

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

Anyone sighting these sellers in Norfolk, or concerned about rogue trader activity in your community, can report it to us, through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on freephone 0808 223 1133 or to Norfolk Police via 101

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 – Telephone cold calls offering ‘medical pain devices’ – 7 November 2022

We are warning Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls which claim to be offering medical devices ‘to help with pain’.

This follows an incident where a resident received a cold call during which the caller stated they had ‘received a referral from your GP surgery’ and that ‘you could benefit from one of their devices to help with pain’.

Fortunately, the resident declined the offer and contacted their GP surgery who confirmed the call was not connected with them.

Our advice is to always 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.

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep cold caller offering tree work – 4 November 2022

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

This follows an incident in the Dussindale area where a man cold called at a property claiming he was ‘doing some tree work down the road’ and then offered to undertake work on the tree and hedge in the residents’ garden saying he could ‘do it cheaper for cash on the day’. The resident declined the offer and reported the incident to us.

The man was seen to return to a red tipper van which was towing a woodchipper. He was then seen to signal to a second man in another van which followed the first vehicle out of the road.

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.

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. To search our directory and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader.

Information Alert – Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at further premises in Norfolk – 3 November 2022

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

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

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

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

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep Cold Callers claiming issues with properties’ roof and chimneys – 2 November 2022

We are warning residents to be aware of doorstep cold callers making claims that they can see issues with roof tiles and chimneys.

This follows an incident in the Thorpe area of Norwich on Tuesday 1st where a male cold called at a property and told the resident that he was ‘there to fix a leak in the roof’. When the resident said they had no knowledge of this the male made various claims before offering to go onto the roof to show the resident the problem.

Having accessed the roof the male then said that there were issues with ‘the chimney’ which ‘needed fixing immediately’. The male then said he could do the work for ‘£750’

Fortunately, the resident declined the offer, and the male left the property.

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 and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader

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 – Be aware of Bogus doorstep cold callers – 31 October 2022

We are highlighting a warning from Anglian Water for residents to take extra care this winter to make sure they are protected from bogus callers.

They warn that the number of reported cases of criminal activity goes up during the darker winter evenings, with many cases of distraction burglaries caused by bogus callers.

Often bogus callers will claim that they are from the ‘water board’ despite these organisations not having existed for over 40 years.

If an Anglian Water customer has any doubts or can’t remember making an appointment then it’s best to say no and close the door – a genuine employee will be happy to come back at a different time or wait while you check they are who they say they are.

Customers in any doubt should close the door and phone Anglian Water, for free, on 0800 145 145 or alert the police.

Anglian Water also offer the following advice if you receive a doorstep cold call from someone claiming they are calling about your water supply:

• A genuine Anglian Water member of staff will always carry an ID card.
• If you are unsure of a person’s identity, alert the police or call Anglian Water on 0800 145 145.
• Anglian Water call centre staff will be able to describe the person to you and confirm if they are a genuine employee.
• Most Anglian Water staff will arrive in Anglian Water branded vans.

Anglian Water staff would never force their way into someone’s home.

Rogue Trader Alert – Doorstep Cold Caller selling trees and garden furniture – 31 October 2022

We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers trying to sell garden furniture and trees.

This follows an incident in the Drayton area when a resident was cold called by a male who claimed he was selling off items that had been stocked at a ‘National Trust property’ in Norfolk.

The male then showed the resident several olive trees and garden furniture which were in the rear of a large sign written van.

Often, when this type of approach is used, the cold caller may use a range of pressure selling techniques including:

• claiming that ‘neighbours have made purchases’ and they suggested coming to you as well
• using a brochure showing the items and their ‘catalogue price’ which can often be heavily inflated
• stating that items are ‘discounted’ as the location where the items were stocked is closing or that it is ‘the end of the season’
• claiming that by purchasing an item for full price additional items can be included ‘free of charge’
• items shown by the cold caller and the actual items delivered, which are usually in boxes on the van, can be different or inferior quality versions

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

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

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

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

We are continuing to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.

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

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

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

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

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

Scam Alert – Postal lottery scams – 27 October 2022

We are raising consumers awareness this week as this old-style scam is still very much in abundance. We received a report from a local resident who called to alert us.

In the report, our caller received a letter stating that they had won the lottery, the prize that was won was £825,000 and all that needed to be done was to pay a processing fee, including personal account details, and they would send the money via certified cheque.

Our resident knew that they had not played the lottery.

Criminals will contact unsuspecting victims informing them they have won a sum of money or a prize. The victim is then informed that they will need to pay an advance fee to receive their winnings. The winnings are non-existent and it is an attempt to steal the victim’s money, personal or financial information.

Some victims reported providing their bank details thinking they would be sent a small payment to verify the account. Criminals will use these details to steal the victim’s money.

The Action Fraud website advises that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep themselves safe from fraud:

• Stop: Unsolicited offers of large sums of money in return for a small upfront payment should always raise a red flag. Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe
• Challenge: Could it be fake? Remember, you can’t win a prize in a competition you didn’t enter. It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you
• Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040

The Gambling commission website also has advice on how to gamble safely. They advise to check that the business has a gambling license and that they are on the public register.

If you think you have been the victim of a lottery scam you can report this to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.