Test & trace scams: There are lots of reports across social media of Test & Trace scams.
Please remember, genuine texts, calls or emails from the NHS service won’t ask you for any personal details upfront.
You’ll be given a unique ID number to log in to the NHS Test and Trace website. The ONLY official web address for the NHS Test and Trace service is: https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk/
Once you’ve logged in using your ID, you’ll be asked to enter some basic information about yourself including:
your name, date of birth and current address
the names of the people you live with
places you’ve recently visited
names and contact details of people you were in touch with around 48 hours before you developed symptoms.
You won’t be asked to share this information upfront over a call or text, so if someone is asking you for it directly, they are a scammer.
Contact tracers will never:
❌ ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to us (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
❌ ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product of any kind
❌ ask for any details about your bank account
❌ ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
❌ ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
❌ disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contact
❌ provide medical advice on the treatment of any potential coronavirus symptoms
❌ ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
❌ ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS
Stay scam aware, and report any suspicious approaches to us via 0808 223 1133.
Find out more about the NHS test and trace service here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Blind cords: It can take only 20 seconds for a toddler to die from strangulation from a blind cord.
All blinds produced and sold after February 2014 must comply with detailed child safety requirements.
Some existing blinds may have cords or chains to operate the blind which could prove hazardous to babies and young children if they can gain access to the blind. But making existing blinds safer is quick, cheap and easy and this website will show you how https://www.makeitsafe.org.uk/
Doorstep traders: Two vans have been reported calling at doors in Suffolk attempting to sell teak garden furniture.
The vans were reported in Cowlinge, Great Bradley, Newmarket and Beyton. The traders are stating that they have not been able to sell the Garden furniture at the Garden Shows that they normailly attend at this time of year, and as such have surplus furniture.
Our advice is not to buy, and report any approach from such traders to us via 0808 223 1133.
Suffolk Trading Standards are providing the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:
- Never sign or agree to anything on the spot.
- Check the trader’s identity. Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine.
- Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home.
- Always shop around for the best price.
- Read the small print. Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights.
- Double check the facts. Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction –including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing.
- Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
- Don’t hand over a cash deposit. Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this.
- Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away. If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven-day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.
- Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you are contacted by a doorstep trader or are aware of any operating in your residential area, report it to us by calling 0808 223 1133.
Each year, we receive many complaints from residents who have been conned on their own doorsteps by rogue traders. These cons can involve thousands of pounds and are often on the most vulnerable residents.
Know your rights around the law and cold calling doorstep traders
If you pay or agree to pay over £42 for any services or goods that are sold to you in your home, then: you have 14 days to cancel the agreement. If you cancel, any monies that you have paid should be returned to you the trader must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights when you agree the contract. If the trader doesn't provide you with this information, they commit a criminal offence
This protection applies even when you invite a trader to your home.
Although doorstep calling is not illegal, the law states that a trader who ignores a resident's request to leave and not return commits a criminal offence. You can show you do not want to receive visits from cold calling doorstep traders by displaying our sticker (email us to get one sent out to you).
Any trader that puts you under pressure by suggesting you have to make a decision there and then, or that the "special price" is only available for a limited period in order to make you sign up, may be committing a criminal offence.
Doorstep traders are trained in sales techniques and can be very persuasive.
Be very wary of signing anything as you may give up your rights to cancel.
Our advice is to always say "No thank you - please leave" and then immediately close the door. If the trader won't go away, tell them that you will call Suffolk Trading Standards. If you feel under real threat or in danger, you should contact Suffolk Police.
Businesses reopening: From 1st June outdoor markets and car show rooms have been able to reopen for business. Outdoor markets can sell any items, including non-essential ones.
From 15th June, all non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen, if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines.
The Government has produced guidance to help those retailers prepare for opening: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
As per the roadmap, hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.
If you need further advice, or you have concerns that a business which should be closed is trading can call us via 0808 223 1133.
Primark recall: Primark are recalling their Wide Fit Kitten Heel Court Shoe as higher than permitted levels of Chrome VI have been detected in the leather insock of the product, and this can potentially lead to an allergic skin reaction.
The product was on sale in Primark stores from 4 January 2019 until 4 February 2020.
These can be returned for a full refund once stores reopen.
More information here: https://www.help.primark.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360006125818-Recall-Notice
If you need advice, or want to report a scam or rogue trader, call us via 0808 223 1133.