Cold calling: We have received reports of a man calling at properties in a No Cold Calling Zone yesterday, attempting to selling double glazing. The man knocked at doors in The Josselyns, Trimley St Mary. Although advised by residents that it was a No Cold Calling Zone, he continued to call at neighbouring properties and did not provide any ID. No residents signed up to receive the products or services offered. Do you live nearby? Were you also approached? We would like to receive details of the man and the company he works for so that we can contact them to remind them of their responsibilities, as well as the legal restrictions of a No Cold Calling Zone. If you have any details, please contact us vis Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. More details of No Cold Calling Zones in Suffolk is available here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/fair-trading/no-cold-calling-zones/
Safety online: If you spend time online – especially if you’re new to it – it’s important to consider your safety and security. Being online isn’t without its risks, but there are lots of steps you can take to protect yourself.
Protect your accounts with strong, secure passwords - These often include a mix of letters, numbers and exclamation marks, or a sequence of multiple words. Avoid using passwords that are too simple, or which are based on your interests or personal things about you that others might be able to guess easily. And of course – don’t share your passwords with anybody else.
Install content filters or age controls - If your device can be used by other people including children, think about the types of content you want them to see. The main operating systems on most laptops and other devices offer the option to filer content and sites that can be visited. To do this, you’ll typically need to have different login details for different users, so you can grant different permissions for the individual people who use it. This function will usually be found in your device’s ‘settings’ menu.
Install the latest software updates - Software updates can be done automatically or manually, but are really important when it comes to security. Often, software companies will be aware of any security threats long before you will – and in response they will roll out software updates that help to protect you from these threats. Keep an eye on any prompts to update your software, and do so if you receive one.
Use a password or security code on your devices - Devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops often come with the option to use a password or security code that needs to be entered before you use them. These are important measures to take in case your device falls into the wrong hands. Without this, your device will be much easier to use for anybody who gets their hands on it.
Fake NHS texts: Texts have been sent by criminals who have created fake websites. The website that the text links to has been created to look similar to the NHS website, with the same branding, layout and font choices. The fake page asks for personal details and goes on to request a payment of £4.99. The NHS App is free. The NHS COVID Pass is free. The NHS will never ask for payment or any financial details. For information on how to get your FREE NHS COVID Pass visit http://nhs.uk/NHSCovidPass
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.
Bird Flu: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) has been confirmed in captive birds at a wild bird rescue centre in Worcestershire. A detailed investigation is in progress to determine the most likely source of this outbreak. As we move into the higher risk period over winter bird keepers should pay extra attention to the health of their birds. Anybody who suspects disease should report it to their vet or APHA immediately. The best way to tackle this disease is for poultry keepers to ensure that they have strong biosecurity measures in place. There are some simple measures that all poultry keepers should take to protect their birds against the threat of avian flu. These apply to people running a large commercial farm, keeping a few hens in their back garden and those rearing game birds.
These include:
- Keep the area where birds live clean and tidy, control rats and mice and regularly clean and disinfect any hard surfaces
- Keep chickens and turkeys completely separate from ducks and geese
- Conduct regular maintenance checks on their sheds
- Clean moss off the roofs, empty gutters and remove vegetation between sheds where birds are kept
- Draw up contingency plans for storing bedding and dealing with pests
- Place birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly
- Put fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limit their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl
- Clean and disinfect footwear before and after entering premises where birds are kept
Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301.
Matalan recall: Matalan are recalling Panda Pocket Dungarees C316552 as the poppers may become loose which could present a choking hazard. These products were on sale from 14 June 2021 to 7 October 2021. If you’ve bought any of the “Panda Pocket Dungarees”, please return them to your nearest Matalan store as soon as possible for a full refund. You will not need to have your receipt. If you bought the “Panda Pocket Dungarees” for someone else or know someone who has one then please let them know about this notice. If you have any queries, please contact Matalan on 0333 0044444, or email at cs@matalanonline.co.uk