Cat food warning: The Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland and Defra are advising cat owners not to feed their cats specific cat food products. Since April 2021 there have been over 130 cases of feline pancytopenia, an illness that can often be fatal in cats. Pancytopenia is a very rare condition where the number of blood cells (red, white and platelets) rapidly decrease, causing serious illness. This current outbreak of pancytopenia is potentially linked to specific cat food products. As a result of this, a product recall has been issued which details the affected products.
Applaws Cat Dry Chicken - 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg - Best Before December 2022 to June 2023
Applaws Cat Dry Chicken & Salmon - 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg - December 2022 to June 2023
Applaws Kitten Dry Chicken - 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg - December 2022 to June 2023
Applaws Cat Dry Chicken & Lamb - 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg - December 2022 to June 2023
Applaws Cat Dry Chicken & Duck - 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg - December 2022 to June 2023
Applaws Cat Dry Ocean Fish - 350g, 1.8kg and 6kg - December 2022 to June 2023
Applaws Cat Dry Senior Chicken - 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg - December 2022 to June 2023
AVA Adult Fish - 2kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Adult Mature Chicken 7+ - 2kg and 4kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Senior Chicken 12+ - 2kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Sensitive Skin & Stomach - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Weight Management - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Hairball - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Oral Care - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA British Shorthair - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Persian - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Maine Coon - 1.5kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Kitten Chicken - 300g and 2kg - All batch codes and all date codes
AVA Adult Chicken - 300g, 2kg and 4kg - All batch codes and all date codes
by Sainsbury’s Hypoallergenic Recipe complete dry cat food with Salmon 1+ Years - 800g - All batch codes and all date codes
by Sainsbury’s Hypoallergenic Recipe complete dry cat food with Chicken 1+ Years - 800g - All batch codes and all date codes
Pancytopenia is a serious, but usually very rare disease. If your cat is unwell and has been fed any of the cat food listed in the product recall, you should seek immediate advice from your vet. If your cat’s usual food is a product affected by the recall, use an alternative cat food brand. If your cat was being fed a product affected by the recall for a medical reason, discuss with your vet what alternative food would be best to switch to. This will help to avoid your cat becoming ill as a result of ceasing to feed the listed food.
For more on this visit:
https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-36-2021-update-1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57486596
Doorstep crime: Doorstep crime is financial abuse and ruins lives. Criminals prey on the elderly and vulnerable by gaining their trust and convincing them that urgent and usually unnecessary work needs to be carried out. Large amounts of money are then defrauded from the victim. Be alert to signs that someone you know has fallen prey to financial abuse. Anyone can be a target, but criminals will often target socially isolated people. Learn the signs of financial abuse so you can help protect your patients, clients, neighbours, friends or family members.
Has the person:
- Had work done on their property or garden that wasn't planned?
- Been pressured into additional work that has cost more money?
- Visited the bank or cash machine more than usual, or made any large online transfers?
- Not been given a detailed receipt for the work that has been done?
- Understood exactly what work is being completed?
- Started acting troubled or distracted?
Has the trader:
- Made contact by cold-calling the potential victim?
- Failed to provide a 'right of cancellation' notice?
- Returned to the property frequently to do other work or drop off other workers?
- Refused to speak to anyone other than the potential victim?
- Completed work to a poor standard or not completed work at all?
- Demanded to be paid in cash or a cheque made out to a different name?
Report any concerns to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Click here to find out more about financial abuse: https://wearehourglass.org/financial-abuse
Phishy: There's something phishy about these messages! These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake websites to look similar to the genuine websites, with the same branding, layout and font choices. The websites each ask you for personal information, including financial information.
DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK.
If you think you have provided scammers with your financial details, contact your bank immediately. If you receive what you think is a fake message, forward the text message, including the phone number or company name, to 7726. 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 0808 223 1133.
Flight refunds: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has written to British Airways and Ryanair detailing their concerns that they may have broken consumer law. This is after both companies failed to offer refunds for flights customers couldn’t legally take due to lockdown laws. During periods of lockdown across the UK, British Airways and Ryanair refused to give refunds to people that were lawfully unable to fly, with British Airways offering vouchers or rebooking and Ryanair providing the option to rebook. The CMA is concerned that, by failing to offer people their money back, both firms may have breached consumer law and left people unfairly out of pocket. It is now seeking to resolve these concerns with the companies, which may include seeking refunds, or other redress, for affected customers. The scope of the CMA’s investigation relates to periods when it was unlawful in one or more parts of the UK for people to travel for non-essential reasons. It covers flights that were not cancelled, and does not cover any other situations. All information available in relation to this case is on the COVID-19: lockdown flight refunds page: https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/covid-19-cancellations-airlines
Unsafe eScooters: Our Import Surveillance Officers have detained 605 unsafe eScooters at the Port of Felixstowe. The Electric Scooters were found to pose a risk of electric shock, as well as posed a risk to riders and bystanders. The scooters did not have any importer or manufacturer details, there was no electrical rating, and no maximum speed limit of the product. The products had no warnings for use, the requirement for PPE, and did not state that they should only be used on private land. The transformer did not meet the requirements for creepage and clearance. The plug face did not meet the dimensional requirements of BS 1363 because the distance between the outside edge and the live pin measured at 9.2mm where the standard requires this measurement to be at least 9.5mm. The plug is thought to be counterfeit as the model number does not match the certificate or manufacturers name. The fuse featured friction fit end caps and did not contain a ballast. The vehicle was test driven and reached a speed of 29km/h and then the test was aborted. The machine still had plenty of acceleration, but the maximum speed was not determined as it was too dangerous to go faster.
Ticket fraud: Figures reveal almost £1 million has been lost to ticket fraud so far this year. Data from Action Fraud reveals 1,085 reports of ticket fraud have been made so far this year, equating to an average loss of £850 per victim. Almost two thirds of victims (61 per cent) were aged between 20 to 49 years old. Action Fraud received 374 reports of ticket fraud in March this year – the highest number of reports received since March 2020 when lockdown restrictions were first implemented. Victims reported losing over £200,000 in March this year alone. Many festivals and events scheduled to go ahead as coronavirus-related restrictions ease have already sold out – something criminals are more than happy to take advantage of. To avoid disappointment, only buy tickets from the venue directly, an official promoter or agent, or a well-known and reputable ticket site. Don’t be duped by offers on secondary ticketing websites or social media, as this is often where criminals will advertise fake tickets to popular and sold-out events. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! One victim lost £200 after posting on Twitter asking if anyone had tickets for sale for a concert. The victim was messaged by someone who claimed they had a number of tickets for sale and the suspect claimed they would transfer the tickets to the victim as soon as payment was received. The victim sent the payment via PayPal and once the suspect had received the payment, they blocked the victim. Another victim lost almost £250 after joining a Facebook group where they saw someone selling two VIP tickets to a festival. The victim contacted the person selling the tickets and was informed that they only accepted payment a digital wallet provider. The suspect claimed they would transfer the tickets to the victim as soon as payment was received, but went on to block the victim and continued to advertise the tickets on the same group. Another victim lost more than £3,500 after purchasing tickets for a rugby tour via what appeared to be a legitimate ticket website. The victim attempted to obtain a refund due to the uncertainty around travel, but was unable to contact the company. The company has since been dissolved and a number of other victims have reported suffering a similar fate.
Spot the signs of ticket fraud and protect yourself:
- Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, official promoter or agent, or a well-known and reputable ticket site.
- Avoid paying for tickets by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown. Credit card or payment services such as PayPal give you a better chance of recovering your money if you become a victim of fraud.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts or adverts offering unbelievably good deals on tickets. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Is the vendor a member of STAR? If they are, the company has signed up to their strict governing standards. STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints. For more information: star.org.uk/buy_safe
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.
Contact lenses: Do you, or someone you know, wear contact lenses? Bausch + Lomb is conducting a voluntary recall of certain lots of Biotrue contact lens solution, ReNu MPS Multi-purpose solution sensitive eyes, ReNu MultiPlus contact lens solution, Boston cleaner, Boston conditioning solution, Boston Simplus Multi-Action contact lens solution, Sensitive Eyes contact lens solution, EasySept contact lens solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Contact Lens Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals All in One Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Advanced Conditioning Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Advanced Cleaning Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Enhanced All in One Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Advanced Cleaning and Conditioning Solutions, Specsavers easyvision ultrapurpose MPS. The recall follows a notification received by Bausch + Lomb from one of its third-party suppliers in Milan, Italy, which sterilizes some components (bottles, plugs and caps) of these products prior to manufacturing in their facility in Milan, Italy, of a compliance issue with its sterilization process.
Consumers who may have these affected products in their possession should take the following steps:
- Insert your product lot number to verify if your product is impacted here: https://www.blrecall.expertinquiry.com/
- If the product is impacted, stop using the product.
- Follow the instructions to register your product.
- After following all instructions, discard the impacted product.
Cold calls: The National Fraud Investigation Bureau (NFIB) are aware of an ongoing scam where consumers are being cold called by individuals impersonating employees of legitimate mobile network operators and suppliers. Victims are offered early handset upgrades, or new contracts, at significant discounts. Once customers have been convinced that the deals are genuine and agree to proceed, suspects then ask for their online mobile account credentials, including log-ins, address and bank account details. Suspects then place orders with genuine companies on behalf of victims, however select a different handset to that requested and have it shipped to the customer’s address. Upon receipt, suspects assure victims that this has been an error and instruct them to ‘return’ the handset to a different address not affiliated to the mobile company. These addresses are usually residential. Upon intercepting the ‘returned’ handsets, the suspects cease contact and victims find themselves stuck with no phone and liable for the entirety of a new contract taken out in their name. The NFIB have received over 300 reports since January 2020 with reported losses in excess of £86,000.
What you need to do:
- Cold calls about mobile upgrades and contracts - If you’re unsure that the person calling you is an official representative of the company they claim to be from, hang up and do not reveal any personal information.
- Only contact your mobile network provider on a number you know to be correct. For example, 191 for Vodafone customers, 150 for EE customers, 333 for Three customers, 202 for O2 customers, 4455 for Tesco Mobile, 789 for Virgin Mobile and 150 for Sky Mobile.
- If you receive a device that you did not order or expect, contact the genuine sender immediately. The details for this will be within the parcel.
- NEVER post a device directly to a given address. All genuine Mobile Network Operators would send out a jiffy bag for you to return without you incurring additional cost.
Foam scam: Reports have been received from residents who have had telephone calls from companies making claims about the foam insulation that has been installed in their property. The companies are targeting Suffolk residents who have had foam insulation installed, advising them that there may be a problem with the installation, and that they can come and inspect. Upon inspection they state that fibre insulation has been left in the loft, and that it should be removed to allow the loft to breathe. We have spoken to an independent expert surveyor, who has advised that there is no benefit to having this removed. One Suffolk resident was charged £1,700.
- Always be wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call.
- Always check the credentials of any company that contacts you out of the blue.
- Always check any claims made, especially when the company are claiming to work with other agencies.
- Always check the ID's of anyone who visits your property, claiming to work for an organisation. Keep any paperwork they give you.
- Never provide any personal information to a caller that is not required.
- Never agree to any work done until you have received a second opinion.
If you have any concerns about a company that has contacted you, call us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Scan texts: Beware of these scam Census text messages. These scam texts threaten the recipient with a £1000 fine for not completing the census, or for filling it in incorrectly. These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake website to look similar to the genuine Census website, with the same branding, layout and font choices. The website asks you for personal information, including financial information.
DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK.
- The Office for National Statistics will never contact someone by text in relation to the census
- The Office for National Statistics will never issue a fine by text, phone call, email or social media
Further information can be found on their website at https://census.gov.uk/your-data-and-security/how-we-will-contact-or-visit-you. If you think you have provided scammers with your financial details, contact your bank immediately. If you receive what you think is a fake message, forward the text message, including the phone number or company name, to 7726. 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 0808 223 1133.
Trampoline safety: Are you thinking of buying a trampoline? Or do you already own one? Here are a few safety tips to help keep your kids happy, and avoid a trip to A&E. The trampolines that we use at home are covered by the British Standard BS EN 71-14:2018. The standard doesn’t cover things like public trampolines, fitness trampolines or those incorporating additional features such as tents or basketball hoops. When buying a trampoline, look for a model with safety pads and check that they cover the frame, hooks and springs. Also consider a trampoline with safety netting to help prevent the user from falling off the trampoline. The enclosure entrance should be big enough for an adult to access, and it must be possible to open it from the inside and outside. Read the instructions and all the warnings displayed. These will include warnings such as the maximum weight of the user, that adult supervision is required and that no somersaults should be done on the trampoline. One warning that will be displayed, which we know is a difficult one, is that trampolines should only be used by one person at a time. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 60% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at a time. If you are concerned about the safety of a product, stop using it immediately, and report it to Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133. More information is available on our website: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/product-safety-advice-and-recalls/trampoline-safety
Home buying: Are you thinking about buying a new home? The stamp duty holiday ends on 30 June 2021 and many people are making a move. But watch out! You may receive an email or text urging you to take action before the deadline. They might ask you to share your personal details or pay money to take advantage of the reduced stamp duty rate. If you feel pressured to act, something seems suspicious STOP. Check your email or text again and CHALLENGE the sender. Criminals will pretend to be a reputable mortgage lender, bank, or the government to steal your data or money. Don’t let them! Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and texts to 7726.
Soothe ‘n Play Glider recall: Product recall of Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider. While there have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths in the 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders, Mattel are recalling the product globally due to reports in the United States of four infant deaths in a similar product sold in North America. The infants were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained in the product and later found on their stomachs.
This recall applies to the following product numbers of the Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider:
GWD46
FYY21
GGW85
HBD64
The model number is located on the underside of the base of the products. Consumers who purchased the Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider online do not need to take any immediate action to return products and get a refund. Within the next 2 weeks your online retailer will send an e-mail to all consumers who purchased the product. This e-mail will include information how to return the product to the online retailer in order to get a refund. Consumers who purchased the Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider via another retail channel (not online) are requested to visit https://www.service.mattel.com/ and click on the “International” button for more information on how to return the product in order to get a refund.