Please check this page for very useful updates.
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10th January 2013
1. New Year - Same Old Tax Scam!
As the deadline approaches for paying your self assessment tax bill, the scammers are stepping up their efforts to cash in!
A new wave of emails has been sent out to coincide with the deadline claiming that you are due a refund and can get your hands on £100's by passing on a few details.
HMRC will NEVER inform you of a tax rebate by email and will NEVER ask you to disclose personal information by email.
Please also be aware that links may take you to bogus websites and attachments may contain viruses so don't open them!
You can report fraud, including online or internet crimes on the Action Fraud website
2. Phishing emails
Phishing is a method used by fraudsters to access valuable personal details, such as usernames and passwords usually as a means to scam consumers out of money!
It can also involve sending malicious attachments or website links in an effort to infect computers or mobile devices.
Criminals send bogus communications: emails, letters, instant messages or text messages.
Very often these appear to be authentic communications from legitimate organisations such as banks.
Embedded links within the message can direct you to a hoax website where your login or personal details may be requested. You may also run the risk of your computer or smartphone being infected by viruses.
3. Investment in rare metals - a scam that could cost you the earth!
In recent years fraudulent cold calling telesales firms have branched out into selling land or wine as an investment which supposedly has the potential to enjoy considerable growth but would prove subsequently worthless or fetch nowhere near the price paid, often playing on the consumers ignorance and potentially loosing them £1000's.
An update on these scams is a caller offering a so-called "green energy bundle", where buyers can receive kilos of dysprosium,yttrium, lanthanum and neodymium. You are told these metals will move up sharply in value. But few have any idea of what these strange-sounding substances are or, more importantly, how to value and sell them.
For more information please take a look at this link to the Independent website
4. Counterfeit Condoms
The government's health regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency (MHRA) has warned there are a rising number of counterfeit condoms being smuggled into to the UK. Family planning experts say the bogus condoms don't provide protection against STIs or pregnancy. The best way to avoid being caught out is to make sure you buy condoms from reliable places.... and yes we have found some in Surrey!
For more information please see this link to the BBC website
5. Scam loans & Advance fee fraud
This type of scam occurs when a trader requires money up front for things such as administration or a credit check for services or loans that then do not materialise. A common way of requesting this is through legitimate schemes such as UKASH.
There has also been an increasing number of reports from people who have had their identity fraudulently used to take out payday loans. Please check you bank transactions carefully and if you spot anything suspicious notify your bank immediately.
Dos:
*Do be very careful when dealing with loan companies that charge upfront fees
*Do be cautious if a loan company cold-calls you
*Do some research about the business offering the loan - look for proper phone numbers and physical addresses and ask for information in writing
*Do check that the company has a credit licence on the Consumer Credit Register at www.oft.gov.uk/ConsumerCreditRegister
Don'ts:
*Don't believe adverts which indicate a loan is 'guaranteed'
*Don't give out your card details 'for security reasons' as the company may then debit your bank account without you knowing
*Don't wire money to loan companies using money transfer services when applying for loans
*Don't go ahead with a loan if a company approves it and then demands a fee before you get the money.
6. Consumer rights when a company goes into Administration - eg Jessops
If you need any further or more specific advice give the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline a call on 08454 04 05 06
The soothers affected are sold in double packs of blue and pink and have a barcode of 0505244962706.
They have been withdrawn from sale and are being recalled from sale due to the possible risk of choking following a complaint from a customer that the outer casing became detached from the main soother.
If you have bought the Little Angels Cherry Soother 2-pack, please dispose of it or take it back to your local Asda for a full refund. No receipt is necessary.
Barcode-5025066665388
Routine testing has shown that under certain conditions when a strong dog is excited and straining on the harness the Velcro fastening may come undone allowing your dog to run free.Check the barcode on your purchase and return the item to your nearest store as soon as possible.
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Monday 24th June 2013
Friday 14th June 2013
Monday 10th June 2013
Thursday 6th June 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Carpet Cleaners
So you've been called upon out of the blue and agreed a bargain price to get your carpets cleaned BUT when the technician arrives you are subjected to a high pressure sale of more expensive services ... sound familiar?
This technique is banned but that doesn't seem to stop some rogues trying it on ... the technique is known as 'Bait & Switch' and doesn't limit itself to carpet cleaning services.
Some Surrey residents have recently experienced this and what started as a quote for about £10 quickly escalated to £100's!
Please be aware and if you have been approached like this or need advice let us know on 08454 04 05 06.
Patio work
A resident was approached and then followed home in the Bookham area recently and advised by a 'trader' that he had done work previously at the address for him. He offered to work on the patio for him but demanded half the money up-front for materials and followed the gentleman to the bank .... the trader never returned!
Please look out for vulnerable friends, family and neighbours and either call the Police on 101 or one of our advisors on 08454 04 05 06.
Cigarettes & Alcohol
You can now report incidents of traders selling age restricted products such as cigarettes and alcohol to children to us via Twitter and Facebook.
We would also welcome any intelligence about counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes.
For all other advice or reporting please use the usual method of calling an advisor on 08454 04 05 06 or filling in this online form - http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer_complaint
Please private message us as we will delete posts that mention traders in the public domain.
Please also note that by using these accounts to give us this information does NOT guarantee a reply as they are not monitored 24/7 BUT we will take note of this Intel!
@surreyts 
facebook.com/surreytradingstandards
Credit Card Scam! Alert on behalf of Surrey Police - Runnymede Beat
Please be aware of a scam currently being used within the area, whereby victims are receiving calls from some one claiming to be a Police Officer or similar, which is convincing victims to hand over large amounts of cash and bank details.
The victims have been informed that people have been caught using their cards, and they would need to call up their bank straight away to cancel their accounts. Victims are then being asked for their card and bank account details, including their PIN, and some have been told that their cards will need to be collected and a courier is sent round for their cards. In other cases, victims have been asked to withdraw large amounts of cash for verification purposes and this has been collected also.
A genuine Police Officer will not ask for your bank card or account details, neither will they ask you to withdraw money,
There are some steps that you can take to protect yourself:
•Never give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.
•If some one calls claiming to be a Police Officer, ask for their identification number, police force and their telephone extension. Hang up the call, and advise that you will call them back. Use the 101 number to do this.
•Check your phone has a dial tone before ringing out to another number after such calls, or use a different phone line where possible.
•If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible and ask for any suspicious transactions to be monitored.
•Never hand over money to some one at the door to be sent off elsewhere.
•If some one comes to your door claiming to be a Police Officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make note of their identification number. Call up the force to confirm if necessary.
•Call 999 if anyone comes to your door and demands money or any other items from you.
If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money or bank details, please call 101 to report it to Surrey Police. If you have any concerns regarding potential victims in your area please get in touch with us so we can let the local officers know.
Businesses - Have you been approached by anyone claiming to be working in association with Acas?
Acas - The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service have received some complaints, mainly from employers, about companies contacting them who say that they are working with Acas and asking for them to sign up for expensive employment or health and safety advice.
Please note that advice comes straight from Acas and NOT a third party.
For more information please call Acas on 08457 47 47 47 and take a look at their website http://www.acas.org.uk
Recalls
We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumer safe!
The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.
Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://recalluk.com/
http://www.food.gov.uk/
Charlotte and Chloe Cherry Toys sold at E of England Co-op
As of Wednesday 15th May Co-op have withdrawn from sale all of the "Charlotte and Chloe Cherry" toys available in the Goodness Gang range. They are also recalling all of the "Charlotte and Chloe Cherry" toys to their branches.
As a precautionary measure you can exchange your Charlotte and Chole Cherry toy for another Goodness Gang character or receive a refund at your local store. Where possible please bring your receipt with you
Laura Ashley Albany Table Lamp
This product poses a risk of electric shock if the transformer plug cover becomes detached whilst plugged into any live electrical outlet.
As a precautionary measure Laura Ashley are carrying out an immediate recall of all batches. The table lamps were sold in the UK from 31st May 2012 to 13th May 2013.
If you have a Laura Ashley ALBANY TABLE LAMP, unplug and stop using the product immediately, and return it to your nearest Laura Ashley store for a full refund.
Homebase LED Nightlight
There is a quality concern with the LED Nightlight which may cause the product to fail prematurely.
The product has been made without an internal fuse, and in certain situations this may lead to premature failure of other components. Whilst the product fails in a safe manner it does not fully comply with the low voltage Directive. Homebase have taken the decision to recall the product as a precautionary measure.
Please stop using the product and return it to store for a full refund.
Indesit and Hotpoint Washing Machines - safety notice
The following notice has been issued by the manufacturer:
We are very sorry that some of our consumers have experienced problems with the appliances that BBC Watchdog has featured.
At Indesit Company, the safety of our appliances is our priority and we continually monitor the performance of all our products. We treat any issues regarding the safety of our machines with the utmost seriousness. The particular cases highlighted on the programme, as well as the cases that have been brought to our attention, have been dealt with promptly and on a case by case basis.
The incidents outlined has been identified as a technical issue with a very small percentage of washing machine production during periods of 2007 to 2009 could be affected. On becoming aware of the potential issue it was risk assessed under General Product Safety Regulations and was classified as 'Very Low' risk therefore it was concluded that no direct consumer notification was required.
We take consumer concerns very seriously, through our ongoing and continual monitoring of all our products in the market place we identified a further improvement to reduce the risk to 'Extremely low'.
We would also like to inform consumers that this problem does not affect any Indesit or Hotpoint model on sale today.
Consumer satisfaction is extremely important to us, Indesit Company apologises to our consumers for any inconvenience caused, and we reaffirm our commitment to delivering quality, reliable products.
Find out if your washing machine has been affected
Please enter the model number and serial number which can be found either engraved on the top or on a sticker on the left hand side of the inner part of the door at
www.hotpointservice.co.uk/washing-machine-notice/
Thursday 18th April 2013
Monday 8th April 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
One last chance to let us know your thoughts about these alerts via the survey!
(Of course you can contact us anytime with feedback!)
We would like to gauge the popularity and usefulness of these alerts and would really appreciate you taking just 2 minutes to answer our quick survey.
So - no matter who you are or what organisation you work for, please help us improve our services!
Just follow the link!
Cold Callers:
White-Lining
We have received reports of cold calling traders approaching Parish councils purporting to be from the local council that have been painting white lines on roads and have material left over. They have said to be quoting one price and then charging another.
Please note that these traders are NOT from a Borough or District council.
Will Writing
Please be aware of a cold calling trader offering a will writing service for £100. Reports suggest that once inside and the sales pitch actually starts there is pressure applied to the resident to also set up additional services such as power of attorney, trust funds and the like thus costing the client £1000's!
Kitchen Equipment & Knives
We have received reports of cold calling traders in the Godalming area knocking on doors trying to selling expensive knives and kitchen utensils costing £1000's and demanding payment in Euros, but offering no paperwork or cancellation rights.
Landscaping / Roof Cleaning etc
We have received reports of cold calling traders offering these services in the Warlingham and Walton areas. Also in the Normandy area traders are approaching people in the street offering property maintenance.
Alarm Company
Over the past few months we have continuously received reports of traders selling alarm systems door to door. This seems a Surrey-wide problem and with varying sales tactics. Sometimes claims are made that they are working and are registered with the Police, others are more like scare tactics claiming that the resident is living in a high crime area. In any event high pressured sales tactics are used and lies told!
You may remember from a previous TS Alert that we confirmed that Group One Security had gone into liquidation and some consumers with these alarm systems are being contacted by a new monitoring company who will try to sell you a new contract.
We suggest that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that that what you are signing meets your needs.
It would be advisable to consider if you want to pay an up-front free in addition to a monthly contract. (NB A large up-front fee may be lost should a company go into liquidation)
Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free, independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisors - please call 101 to enquire!
Our advice is to NEVER deal with doorstep traders.
Do not invite them in or offer to buy products at the door as they can be very persuasive!
Try using our No Cold Calling Sticker to deter them and to remind yourself to say NO to doorstep callers!
Click here to find out more about the stickers
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
Playstation 4 testers scam (Facebook)
This scam is hugely viral at the moment and being shared like crazy. The page has garnered almost 30 thousand likes, and
the photo has been shared over 65 thousand times.
"I’m very stoked about the ps4!!
I wanna be a beta tester for the system >_<
Sony needs testers for the new PlayStation 4. You will get to keep the new PS4 after you’ve tested it.
We will contact the winners through Facebook.
If you want to be a tester for the new PS4, you must share this photo and like our page. We will choose people at random
in 1 week."
Never complete surveys to unlock videos or other content on Facebook.... Scammers use these tricks to either spread
malware, obtain personal identification or earn commissions from marketing companies.
Don’t pad their pocket and possibly open yourself up to harm!
recautionary measure. Although extremely unlikely, a very small number of items ...may have insects in the timber used for
he products sold within this period. The insects are not harmful and pose no risk to you or your property.
Please return the following products to store for a full refund or an alternative product.
904/7370 Navy 4 drawer storage unit
875/5821 Chocolate and cream 4 drawer storage unit
901/9889 Cream triple wardrobe
901/9755 Cream double wardrobe
The affected model numbers are:-
Saturday 16th March 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Bogus Trading Standards Officer
We have had a report that an elderly lady in the Esher area was cold called by a someone posing as a Trading Standards Officer.
They were allegedly checking up on some work that was previously undertaken at the property.
The fraudster followed this up with a phone call to the resident saying that they had caught the rogue but needed cash (£1000's) to assist with evidence and later turned up on the doorstep to retrieve the money.
Police are investigating.
Please be aware that Trading Standards NEVER cold call on residents and we always carry identification that can be quickly verified by calling Surrey County Council.
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
Saturday 9th March 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Buy With Confidence
Wednesday 27th February 2013
Monday 24th June 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website?
Just follow the link!
http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers
Rogue Traders
You can search by area and trade sector on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Why not display one of our No Cold Calling stickers to deter the rogues from knocking on your door and to remind yourself to say NO to their persuasive tactics! You can pick one up from your local library, police station, council offices or you can call 03456 009 009 to request one.
HMRC Tax Rebate Scam
HMRC will NEVER inform you of a tax rebate by email and will NEVER ask you to disclose personal information by email.
Please also be aware that links may take you to bogus websites and attachments may contain viruses so don't open them!
For further information specific to this type of phishing email you can visit the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk/security where they give examples of the scam emails being sent!
You can report fraud, including online or internet crimes on the Action Fraud website
Safe Online Banking
More than 26 million people in the UK bank online - so that's 26 million of you that need to be wary of fraudsters trying to gain access to your account!
There is a great website http://www.banksafeonline.org.uk that gives tips on how to stay safe and explains the differences between phishing, vishing and smishing!
We recommend that if you have received such a scam email, either from a bank or unknown company that you forward the information to Action Fraudhttp://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
If the scam email mentions a bank you may also want to notify them directly (whether you bank with them or not) using the following addresses.
Recalls
To our knowledge there have been no product recalls in the past week - however, this could change so why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them!
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://recalluk.com/
http://www.food.gov.uk/
If you are on Twitter or Facebook– perhaps you would like to join in with the Trading Standards Thunderclap!
With recent media attention that highlighted the dangerous domestic appliances that were the cause of some devastating house fires we are asking our followers to ‘Check It’.
If we all shout about the message at the same time on Tuesday it may just save a life!
https://www.thunderclap.it/en/projects/2405-check-it-tuesday
Please also find attached a PDF of the alert that may assist if you want to print this off etc!
TS @lert!
Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website?
Just follow the link!
http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers
Rogue Traders
- Reports of cold callers in the Epsom area offering to clean driveways and starting work without even getting the go-ahead!
- In the Sunbury area it seems that the rogues have been observing exterior home maintenance work being carried out and then calling upon the resident a few days later giving the impression that they are from the original company and that they needed to finish off some work -at the same time charging extra and claiming additional work needed to be carried out!
- 'Free' alarm installations have being offered in the Cobham area recently - NB They are NOT free as you will more than likely have to pay for an expensive maintenance contract (If you are considering getting an alarm installed we recommend you research the company before agreeing to a sales visit).
You can search by area and trade sector on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Why not display one of our No Cold Calling stickers to deter the rogues from knocking on your door and to remind yourself to say NO to their persuasive tactics! You can pick one up from your local library, police station, council offices or you can call 03456 009 009 to request one.
HMRC Tax Rebate Scam
HMRC will NEVER inform you of a tax rebate by email and will NEVER ask you to disclose personal information by email.
Please also be aware that links may take you to bogus websites and attachments may contain viruses so don't open them!
For further information specific to this type of phishing email you can visit the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk/security where they give examples of the scam emails being sent!
You can report fraud, including online or internet crimes on the Action Fraud website
Safe Online Banking
More than 26 million people in the UK bank online - so that's 26 million of you that need to be wary of fraudsters trying to gain access to your account!
There is a great website http://www.banksafeonline.org.uk that gives tips on how to stay safe and explains the differences between phishing, vishing and smishing!
We recommend that if you have received such a scam email, either from a bank or unknown company that you forward the information to Action Fraudhttp://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
If the scam email mentions a bank you may also want to notify them directly (whether you bank with them or not) using the following addresses.
Recalls
To our knowledge there have been no product recalls in the past week - however, this could change so why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them!
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://recalluk.com/
http://www.food.gov.uk/
If you are on Twitter or Facebook– perhaps you would like to join in with the Trading Standards Thunderclap!
With recent media attention that highlighted the dangerous domestic appliances that were the cause of some devastating house fires we are asking our followers to ‘Check It’.
If we all shout about the message at the same time on Tuesday it may just save a life!
https://www.thunderclap.it/en/projects/2405-check-it-tuesday
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) says one person is killed every seven days by an electrical accident and 350,000 people are injured annually, partly because of a “shockingly low” response to product alerts.
The charity found the average success rate of a product recall is just 10%-20%.
With around 400 products recalled each year and manufacturers making hundreds of thousands of items, it is thought millions of dangerous items stay in people’s homes.
Research by the ESC shows almost two million adults have knowingly ignored a recall notice and a further one million admit owning an electrical item that has been recalled.
Please also find attached a PDF of the alert that may assist if you want to print this off etc!
___________________________________________________
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
You have been sent this information as a subscriber to Surrey County Council's Trading Standards Service TS @lerts. If you wish to stop receiving these please email:trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk and type ‘TS @lert stop’ in the subject line
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TS Alert! Rogue traders, microsoft scam & recalls etc
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website?
Just follow the link!
http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers
Rogue Traders
Our advice is to NEVER deal with cold calling traders whether they be at your door or on the phone.
You can try to deter them by displaying one of our Yellow stickers - these can be obtained from your local police station, council office or library, or you can call 03456 009 009to request one.
If you fear for your safety please call 999 for Police assistance.
We are always keen to hear about cold callers so please let us know on 08454 040506 (for further advice) or via our Facebook or Twitter accounts (for intelligence only)facebook.com/surreytradingstandards and @surreyts
Missed Call Scam
Watch out for the ‘missed call’ scam - where you receive a missed call from a number beginning in 070 or 076. These numbers are used as they appear to be calls from a mobile phone number. However, when you call the number back, the call is ...immediately dropped or an engaged tone is played and you are charged 50p or more for making the call. If you receive a missed call from these premium rate numbers, do not call back. Instead, make a note of the number and complain to the premium rate regulator, PhonepayPlus http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/
A Carer's Guide to scams!
Its Carers week!
If you are a carer we take our hats off to you - you do an amazing job!
A scam is an illicit scheme to con people out of their money. They can appear by post, phone or e-mail – or from rogue traders cold calling at the doorstep.
It is estimated that in the UK £3.5 billion is lost to scams each year with only 1 in 5 cases reported. Most of these often target the most vulnerable and elderly in society.
As a care professional, you may be one of the few people in regular contact with the person you look after and you are therefore in a fortunate position to be able to identify if they are a victim of a scam. You can also help to protect them from becoming a victim in the future.
Please see the attached pdf or follow this link for more information! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/618564/Scams-Carer-Guide.pdf
The ‘Microsoft support’ scam hits one in five UK households
(Info from http://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/news/the-microsoft-support-scam-hits-one-in-five-uk-households/)
How to deal with a scam Microsoft call
PC support scams should not be taken lightly. Beyond the annoyance of receiving the calls, they can leave victims out of pocket and potentially at risk of having their personal details lifted from their PCs.
Here are the essentials of what you need to do to stay protected:
Citizens Advice Telephone Scam
There have been some reports of unsolicited telephone calls to residents from someone claiming to be from the Citizens Advice Service asking if you had any debts, and offering me advice on them in the light of recent changes by the Government.
These calls have not been and will not be from the Citizens Advice Bureaux or their helpline and is more likely to be from a business after your money.
If you do receive such a call please do not give them any information and report it to the genuine Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
Recalls
We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumer safe!
The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.
Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://recalluk.com/
http://www.food.gov.uk/
Glaxo, trading as Allen & Hanburys, is recalling 2 batches of Ventolin Syrup because they may contain glass particles.
The Glaxo Ventolin Syrup affected by this recall is:-
If you have any bottles of the affected Ventolin Syrup you should return them to your pharmacist who will replace them with supplies that are not affected by the recall.
TS @lert!
Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website?
Just follow the link!
http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers
Rogue Traders
- There have been reports of cold calling traders in the Byfleet area 'offering' insulation - they are even bold enough to be ignoring our Yellow Stop Cold Calling Stickers!
- Also reports of traders knocking on doors in the Camberley area over the past week.
- In Dorking we received notification of a rather persistent doorstep caller who wants to work on exterior walls of properties. This individual would not take no for an answer and even pressured an elderly resident to sign paperwork before he would leave.
- Elderly residents in the Guildford area are being cold called by a trader selling mattresses specifically designed for the elderly and disabled. They want to make an appointment to demonstrate BUT this may come with a high pressured sales pitch so please be on your guard!
Our advice is to NEVER deal with cold calling traders whether they be at your door or on the phone.
You can try to deter them by displaying one of our Yellow stickers - these can be obtained from your local police station, council office or library, or you can call 03456 009 009to request one.
If you fear for your safety please call 999 for Police assistance.
We are always keen to hear about cold callers so please let us know on 08454 040506 (for further advice) or via our Facebook or Twitter accounts (for intelligence only)facebook.com/surreytradingstandards and @surreyts
Missed Call Scam
Watch out for the ‘missed call’ scam - where you receive a missed call from a number beginning in 070 or 076. These numbers are used as they appear to be calls from a mobile phone number. However, when you call the number back, the call is ...immediately dropped or an engaged tone is played and you are charged 50p or more for making the call. If you receive a missed call from these premium rate numbers, do not call back. Instead, make a note of the number and complain to the premium rate regulator, PhonepayPlus http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/
A Carer's Guide to scams!
Its Carers week!
If you are a carer we take our hats off to you - you do an amazing job!
A scam is an illicit scheme to con people out of their money. They can appear by post, phone or e-mail – or from rogue traders cold calling at the doorstep.
It is estimated that in the UK £3.5 billion is lost to scams each year with only 1 in 5 cases reported. Most of these often target the most vulnerable and elderly in society.
As a care professional, you may be one of the few people in regular contact with the person you look after and you are therefore in a fortunate position to be able to identify if they are a victim of a scam. You can also help to protect them from becoming a victim in the future.
Please see the attached pdf or follow this link for more information! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/618564/Scams-Carer-Guide.pdf
The ‘Microsoft support’ scam hits one in five UK households
(Info from http://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/news/the-microsoft-support-scam-hits-one-in-five-uk-households/)
The ‘Microsoft support’ scam begins with an unsolicited phone call, but it can end with victims losing hundreds of pounds or PCs being ruined. We show the true impact of the ‘Microsoft support’ scam in numbers.
You’re at home, it’s the middle of the afternoon, and the phone rings. When you pick up, there’s a voice falsely claiming that they are calling from Microsoft technical support, and that they wish to speak to you about the recent computer problems that you’ve been experiencing.
An annoyance? Certainly. It also isn’t from Microsoft, but the opening gambit of an all-too-plausible scam, and one that has been doing the rounds in various guises for nearly two years.
How to deal with a scam Microsoft call
PC support scams should not be taken lightly. Beyond the annoyance of receiving the calls, they can leave victims out of pocket and potentially at risk of having their personal details lifted from their PCs.
Here are the essentials of what you need to do to stay protected:
- If they say they’re from Microsoft:
- If they say your PC is running slowly:
- If they say you have a virus:
- If they want to remotely access you PC:
Citizens Advice Telephone Scam
There have been some reports of unsolicited telephone calls to residents from someone claiming to be from the Citizens Advice Service asking if you had any debts, and offering me advice on them in the light of recent changes by the Government.
These calls have not been and will not be from the Citizens Advice Bureaux or their helpline and is more likely to be from a business after your money.
If you do receive such a call please do not give them any information and report it to the genuine Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
Recalls
We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumer safe!
The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.
Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://recalluk.com/
http://www.food.gov.uk/
Glaxo, trading as Allen & Hanburys, is recalling 2 batches of Ventolin Syrup because they may contain glass particles.
The Glaxo Ventolin Syrup affected by this recall is:-
- Ventolin Syrup sugar-free 2mg in 5ml
- 150ml
- In amber glass bottles
- Batch Numbers M005 or M006
- Dispensed since 26th April 2013
- Expiry Date - 29 Feb 2016
If you have any bottles of the affected Ventolin Syrup you should return them to your pharmacist who will replace them with supplies that are not affected by the recall.
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All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
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Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert! Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website? Just follow the link! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers Rogue Traders
Our advice is to NEVER deal with cold calling traders whether they be at your door or on the phone. You can try to deter them by displaying one of our Yellow stickers - these can be obtained from your local police station, council office or library, or you can call 03456 009 009 to request one. If you fear for your safety please call 999 for Police assistance. We are always keen to hear about cold callers so please let us know on 08454 040506 (for further advice) or via our Facebook or Twitter accounts (for intelligence only) facebook.com/surreytradingstandards and @surreyts Missed Call Scam Watch out for the ‘missed call’ scam - where you receive a missed call from a number beginning in 070 or 076. These numbers are used as they appear to be calls from a mobile phone number. However, when you call the number back, the call is ...immediately dropped or an engaged tone is played and you are charged 50p or more for making the call. If you receive a missed call from these premium rate numbers, do not call back. Instead, make a note of the number and complain to the premium rate regulator, PhonepayPlus http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/ A Carer's Guide to scams! Its Carers week! If you are a carer we take our hats off to you - you do an amazing job! A scam is an illicit scheme to con people out of their money. They can appear by post, phone or e-mail – or from rogue traders cold calling at the doorstep. It is estimated that in the UK £3.5 billion is lost to scams each year with only 1 in 5 cases reported. Most of these often target the most vulnerable and elderly in society. As a care professional, you may be one of the few people in regular contact with the person you look after and you are therefore in a fortunate position to be able to identify if they are a victim of a scam. You can also help to protect them from becoming a victim in the future. Please see the attached pdf or follow this link for more information! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/618564/Scams-Carer-Guide.pdf The ‘Microsoft support’ scam hits one in five UK households (Info from http://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/news/the-microsoft-support-scam-hits-one-in-five-uk-households/)
The ‘Microsoft support’ scam begins with an unsolicited phone call, but it can end with victims losing hundreds of pounds or PCs being ruined. We show the true impact of the ‘Microsoft support’ scam in numbers.
You’re at home, it’s the middle of the afternoon, and the phone rings. When you pick up, there’s a voice falsely claiming that they are calling from Microsoft technical support, and that they wish to speak to you about the recent computer problems that you’ve been experiencing.
An annoyance? Certainly. It also isn’t from Microsoft, but the opening gambit of an all-too-plausible scam, and one that has been doing the rounds in various guises for nearly two years.
How to deal with a scam Microsoft call PC support scams should not be taken lightly. Beyond the annoyance of receiving the calls, they can leave victims out of pocket and potentially at risk of having their personal details lifted from their PCs. Here are the essentials of what you need to do to stay protected:
They’re not. Microsoft will never call its customers directly. The safest thing to do is to hang up immediately.
They don’t know this. Even Microsoft itself cannot know what state your computer is in, as error report data is always anonymous.
You can check this yourself using your security software. Never trust an unsolicited caller who claims that your PC is under threat.
Never, ever allow them to. This hands the keys to your PC to a scammer. At best, they’ll waste your time and money. At worst, they’ll infect it with malware or even steal personal details.
Citizens Advice Telephone Scam There have been some reports of unsolicited telephone calls to residents from someone claiming to be from the Citizens Advice Service asking if you had any debts, and offering me advice on them in the light of recent changes by the Government. These calls have not been and will not be from the Citizens Advice Bureaux or their helpline and is more likely to be from a business after your money. If you do receive such a call please do not give them any information and report it to the genuine Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06. Recalls We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumer safe! The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock. Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm http://recalluk.com/ http://www.food.gov.uk/ Glaxo Ventolin Syrup Recall Glaxo, trading as Allen & Hanburys, is recalling 2 batches of Ventolin Syrup because they may contain glass particles. The Glaxo Ventolin Syrup affected by this recall is:-
If you have any bottles of the affected Ventolin Syrup you should return them to your pharmacist who will replace them with supplies that are not affected by the recall. | ||||||||
If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on Email: 11728@surrey.pnn.police.uk Tel: 101 |  | |||||||
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Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert! Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website? Just follow the link! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers Don't get bitten by a Loan Shark! This past week we have been highlighting the dangers of borrowing money from Loan Sharks. We made a targeted approach in the Epsom and Ewell area with assistance from the local Police team. If you have borrowed from an unlicensed lender you may not have to pay the money back - call us for advice! There is a specialist Trading Standards Team that can help .... Call us in confidence on 0300 555 2222 (local call rate, including inclusive minutes from a mobile) OR Text loan (space) shark (space) + your message to 60003 OR email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk The following link is a video put together in partnership with BID services using British Sign Language to encourage people to avoid loan sharks and speak out if they have been a victim - please forward to those that could benefit! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWl5twSngcs&feature=player_embedded Stopping the Rogue Traders We have stopped rogue traders ripping off unsuspecting victims to the tune of almost £40,000 in a year. Our rapid action team prevented victims – many of them vulnerable – being conned out of £38,000 in the last financial year. It took the total the team has stopped people handing over to crooked doorstep sellers in the decade since forming to well over £1 million. Surrey’s team is on alert to provide a fast response to anyone who suspects they are being conned by doorstep callers. The news came as a trading standards survey revealed that a drive to deter dodgy sellers from approaching front doors in the first place is working. It showed that 90% of households displaying a ‘no cold calling’ sticker carrying a legal warning saw a drop in the number of doorstep sellers. Around 100,000 of the stickers have been distributed and more than half of people displaying the notice were aged over 60. The campaign’s success also means that large sums of money potentially earmarked to pay for shoddy work has been saved. NB Rogue traders reported very recently in the CATERHAM area offering various aspects of property maintenance! Golden Advice We are aware of some flyers being distributed by traders offering to buy your scrap gold. Please see these top tips to avoid being scammed! Always carefully weigh your gold before you send it – some of these companies will claim your gold ...weighs significantly less then it actually does. Always note the carat of the gold you send – some of these companies will claim your gold is a lower carat & therefore worth less money. Always research the company you send your gold to for user reviews, etc to make sure they are genuine, honest dealers The REAL winners of the Epsom Derby! Officers were monitoring the market on both Ladies Day and on Derby Day. In an effort to ensure counterfeit items would not be sold and product safety, our work included giving advice to traders and conducting vehicle stops when they were entering the area. This was obviously effective as several traders promptly turned around and left! This year we seized just over 30 items in comparison to over 2000 at the 2012 Derby due to our disruption before they started trading! That's what we call a result! Have you got the X Factor? Both Suffolk & Essex Trading Standards have been alerted to a scam which may have targeted or be targeting Schools in the area. We are not aware of this in Surrey BUT it's best to be on your guard! A company claiming to be The X Factor is asking for schools to register their interest to become involved with their annual charity single. Schools are invited to attend a Christmas Recording taking place on 16th November 2013 at the ExCel Centre London. The company is requesting payment of £10.00 per person. We can confirm after speaking to The X Factor and ITV that this is a scam, they would not approach schools in this manner and they would not ask for payment. Emails may have come from info@xfactorchristmas.com, Communications Manager Jessica Weller. We would encourage any schools who have been targeted to get in touch. Advice from Trading Standards is below:
If you have been contacted by The X Factor, received emails from the mentioned email address, have had any dialogue with them or paid them any money we would ask that you get in touch with our Trading Standards team on 08454 040506. Recalls We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumer safe! The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock. Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm http://recalluk.com/ http://www.food.gov.uk/ Chablis Jean Bourguignon 2011 Majestic Wine Warehouse Ltd is recalling a specific lot number of Chablis Jean Bourguignon 2011, because some of the bottles have been found to contain high levels of sulphites, which could pose a health risk.
If you have bought the above product, please do not drink it. Instead, return it to your nearest Majestic store for a full refund. Alternatively, if you would like the company to collect the wine, please contact the Majestic Head Office on 0845 605 6767 Benecol Peach & Apricot Yogurt Drink Johnson & Johnson Ltd has voluntarily recalled several batches of Benecol® Peach & Apricot Yogurt Drink on a precautionary basis, because of possible yeast fermentation. If you have bought this product, please do not drink it.
The 'use by' date and lot number can be found on top of the outer cardboard wrapping and on the lid.
If you have bought the above product, please do not drink it. Instead, contact the Customer Careline number for a full refund: Tel: 0800-0184010, Monday to Fridays, 9am - 5pm. | |||||||
If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on Email: 11728@surrey.pnn.police.uk Tel: 101 | | ||||||
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Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Carpet Cleaners
So you've been called upon out of the blue and agreed a bargain price to get your carpets cleaned BUT when the technician arrives you are subjected to a high pressure sale of more expensive services ... sound familiar?
This technique is banned but that doesn't seem to stop some rogues trying it on ... the technique is known as 'Bait & Switch' and doesn't limit itself to carpet cleaning services.
Some Surrey residents have recently experienced this and what started as a quote for about £10 quickly escalated to £100's!
Please be aware and if you have been approached like this or need advice let us know on 08454 04 05 06.
Patio work
A resident was approached and then followed home in the Bookham area recently and advised by a 'trader' that he had done work previously at the address for him. He offered to work on the patio for him but demanded half the money up-front for materials and followed the gentleman to the bank .... the trader never returned!
Please look out for vulnerable friends, family and neighbours and either call the Police on 101 or one of our advisors on 08454 04 05 06.
Cigarettes & Alcohol
You can now report incidents of traders selling age restricted products such as cigarettes and alcohol to children to us via Twitter and Facebook.
We would also welcome any intelligence about counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes.
For all other advice or reporting please use the usual method of calling an advisor on 08454 04 05 06 or filling in this online form - http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer_complaint
Please private message us as we will delete posts that mention traders in the public domain.
Please also note that by using these accounts to give us this information does NOT guarantee a reply as they are not monitored 24/7 BUT we will take note of this Intel!
Credit Card Scam! Alert on behalf of Surrey Police - Runnymede Beat
Please be aware of a scam currently being used within the area, whereby victims are receiving calls from some one claiming to be a Police Officer or similar, which is convincing victims to hand over large amounts of cash and bank details.
The victims have been informed that people have been caught using their cards, and they would need to call up their bank straight away to cancel their accounts. Victims are then being asked for their card and bank account details, including their PIN, and some have been told that their cards will need to be collected and a courier is sent round for their cards. In other cases, victims have been asked to withdraw large amounts of cash for verification purposes and this has been collected also.
A genuine Police Officer will not ask for your bank card or account details, neither will they ask you to withdraw money,
There are some steps that you can take to protect yourself:
•Never give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.
•If some one calls claiming to be a Police Officer, ask for their identification number, police force and their telephone extension. Hang up the call, and advise that you will call them back. Use the 101 number to do this.
•Check your phone has a dial tone before ringing out to another number after such calls, or use a different phone line where possible.
•If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible and ask for any suspicious transactions to be monitored.
•Never hand over money to some one at the door to be sent off elsewhere.
•If some one comes to your door claiming to be a Police Officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make note of their identification number. Call up the force to confirm if necessary.
•Call 999 if anyone comes to your door and demands money or any other items from you.
If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money or bank details, please call 101 to report it to Surrey Police. If you have any concerns regarding potential victims in your area please get in touch with us so we can let the local officers know.
Businesses - Have you been approached by anyone claiming to be working in association with Acas?
Acas - The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service have received some complaints, mainly from employers, about companies contacting them who say that they are working with Acas and asking for them to sign up for expensive employment or health and safety advice.
Please note that advice comes straight from Acas and NOT a third party.
For more information please call Acas on 08457 47 47 47 and take a look at their website http://www.acas.org.uk
Recalls
We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumer safe!
The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.
Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://recalluk.com/
http://www.food.gov.uk/
Charlotte and Chloe Cherry Toys sold at E of England Co-op
As of Wednesday 15th May Co-op have withdrawn from sale all of the "Charlotte and Chloe Cherry" toys available in the Goodness Gang range. They are also recalling all of the "Charlotte and Chloe Cherry" toys to their branches.
As a precautionary measure you can exchange your Charlotte and Chole Cherry toy for another Goodness Gang character or receive a refund at your local store. Where possible please bring your receipt with you
Laura Ashley Albany Table Lamp
This product poses a risk of electric shock if the transformer plug cover becomes detached whilst plugged into any live electrical outlet.
As a precautionary measure Laura Ashley are carrying out an immediate recall of all batches. The table lamps were sold in the UK from 31st May 2012 to 13th May 2013.
If you have a Laura Ashley ALBANY TABLE LAMP, unplug and stop using the product immediately, and return it to your nearest Laura Ashley store for a full refund.
Homebase LED Nightlight
There is a quality concern with the LED Nightlight which may cause the product to fail prematurely.
The product has been made without an internal fuse, and in certain situations this may lead to premature failure of other components. Whilst the product fails in a safe manner it does not fully comply with the low voltage Directive. Homebase have taken the decision to recall the product as a precautionary measure.
Please stop using the product and return it to store for a full refund.
Indesit and Hotpoint Washing Machines - safety notice
The following notice has been issued by the manufacturer:
We are very sorry that some of our consumers have experienced problems with the appliances that BBC Watchdog has featured.
At Indesit Company, the safety of our appliances is our priority and we continually monitor the performance of all our products. We treat any issues regarding the safety of our machines with the utmost seriousness. The particular cases highlighted on the programme, as well as the cases that have been brought to our attention, have been dealt with promptly and on a case by case basis.
The incidents outlined has been identified as a technical issue with a very small percentage of washing machine production during periods of 2007 to 2009 could be affected. On becoming aware of the potential issue it was risk assessed under General Product Safety Regulations and was classified as 'Very Low' risk therefore it was concluded that no direct consumer notification was required.
We take consumer concerns very seriously, through our ongoing and continual monitoring of all our products in the market place we identified a further improvement to reduce the risk to 'Extremely low'.
We would also like to inform consumers that this problem does not affect any Indesit or Hotpoint model on sale today.
Consumer satisfaction is extremely important to us, Indesit Company apologises to our consumers for any inconvenience caused, and we reaffirm our commitment to delivering quality, reliable products.
Find out if your washing machine has been affected
Please enter the model number and serial number which can be found either engraved on the top or on a sticker on the left hand side of the inner part of the door at
www.hotpointservice.co.uk/washing-machine-notice/
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Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS Alert! Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website? Just follow the link! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers A quick reminder about SCAMS! (Twitter: #ScamsMonth) What is a scam? A scam is an illicit scheme to con people out of their money. They can appear by post, phone or e-mail. It is estimated that in the UK ￡3.5 billion is lost to scams each year with only 1 in 5 cases reported. Some people are often too embarrassed to admit they have fallen victim to a scam but we must remember that scammers are professionals and we are all potential targets for these types of criminals. How can I spot a scam? It is likely to be a scam if: The call, letter, email or text has come out of the blue You’ve never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about You didn’t buy a ticket or enter – so you can’t win it! They are asking you to send money in advance They are telling you to respond quickly so you don’t get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide They are telling you to keep it a secret They seem to be offering you something for nothing The mailing looks professional You are asked to purchase something to receive your prize The mailings or calls give the personal touch to give you the impression that the offer is exclusive to you. What can I do to stop scams? If you think you have been scammed, or someone has tried to scam you, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08456 04 05 06 Warn someone – educate a friend, relative or neighbour about the dangers of scams Visit www.thinkjessica.co.uk for more information and advice Baby Carrier - we need your help! We are investigating a complaint about a baby carrier and would like to know if anyone else has had the same or a similar problem. In this instance the adult was wearing the carrier correctly and all the straps were on the tightest settings. The product stated on the label that it is suitable for babies from 7lb 11oz – 19lb 12oz. When the adult carried the baby and leaned forward, the baby fell out of the gap in the side of the carrier and fell to the ground on his head. The baby weighing 10lb suffered a fractured skull. We do not want to panic parents as the product could be proven to be perfectly safe BUT we would like to know if this has occurred before. Please let us know by giving an advisor a quick call on 08454 04 05 06 or by filling out this form:https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=citacomplainform&to=flare.fromforms PPI payout - but you have to pay to get it! Three times over the past week, a Surrey resident has received unsolicited number-withheld phone calls from a male who told her that she has been awarded a substantial NatWest PPI reclaim payout and to collect it, she should withdraw ￡110 in cash, put it into an envelope and take it to a local newsagents shop. There, she should hand it to the person at the counter, who will take it from her, for collection later by someone else. In an effort to get her cash, the caller offered to arrange a taxi to collect her and take her to the cashpoint and then to the newsagent's shop. Luckily the lady realised that this was a scam and didn't part with any money! Others may be taken in by the persuasive nature of the calls so please look out for friends and family and report it to us on 08454 04 05 06 or Surrey Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) Bogus TSO strikes again on previous victim! A Surrey resident received a visit from a bogus Trading Standards Officer (TSO) 2 years ago. The offender had told the lady that there was a case in court at that time, whereby an offender who had previously ripped her off had been caught. Compensation was stated to be available to both her and to another undisclosed person, but the court could only pay this money into a bank account. The bogus TSO told her that, as the other person supposedly didn't have a bank account, and asked her if she would be so kind as to withdraw in cash from her own account the amount that this other person was going to be awarded, then give it to the (bogus) TSO, who would then pass it on to the other person and all of the actual (fictitious) compensation awarded to them both by the court would be paid into her bank account. Luckily on this occasion no money was handed over! Recently the same resident was approached again with a similar story and was told that someone may visit her or call back. The 'victim' has been scammed before and fortunately has family to look out for her and advice has been given. Please note that Trading Standards Officers DO NOT cold call and will always carry ID that can be verified by calling the main Surrey County Council telephone number 03456 009 009. You can report matters like this to us on 08454 04 05 06 or to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. . Carpet Cleaning Scam We are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of incidents being reported to us about rogue carpet cleaners. The latest call was from a consumer in the Leatherhead area. We are also aware of this in theGuildford area The scenarios go something like this .... 1. Trader cold calls a resident (usually elderly) and offers an amazing price to clean a couple of carpets, something in the region of ￡20 (ish). 2. Resident likes a bargain and agrees to an appointment! 3. Trader turns up and before starting the work makes a hard sell on upgrading the service to a deep clean with chemicals as he 'finds' a parasite egg, usually a carpet moth. Obviously the whole house will now need cleaning otherwise the 'problem' will spread! 4. Resident is panicked and agrees to the work. 5. No cancellation rights are given or the resident is encouraged to sign to agree to waiver the cooling off period (never a good idea!) and the clean starts straight away. 6. Trader demands payment that costs ￡100's! NB Carpet moths only live within wool carpets and a lot of carpets today are made from man-made fibres - so get a second opinion if you are told you have moths! Rogues don't just try the once! This is a plea to look out for the more vulnerable residents in Surrey. We are investigating a situation where an elderly gentleman was scammed into paying rogues approx ￡17000 four years ago for exterior works on his house. They have recently returned and demanded the same figure as the work needs repeating, only this time the cost keeps on increasing! You can report matters like this to us on 08454 04 05 06 or to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Credit Card Scams in Spelthorne Police in Spelthorne are warning residents to remain vigilant after several reports in recent weeks of scams involving fraudsters obtaining bank details, cards and cash using bogus telephone calls and couriers. Reports have been received of people receiving telephone calls from someone claiming to a police officer or similar and convincing victims to hand over large amounts of cash and bank cards. The offenders often claim to be a police officer and use a variety of pretences that include saying the victim's bank card has been used by somebody that they have in custody. They then ask the victim to phone the bank to cancel the card and tell the victims that they will send a courier round to collect the card. Meanwhile the fraudster stays on the line and obtains the victim's bank details whilst they think they are phoning the bank. The courier then calls at the victim's address saying they have been sent by the Police to collect a parcel - the envelope containing the card. People are reminded to protect themselves using the following advice: ‧ Never give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone. ‧ If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number, police force and their telephone extension. Hang up the call, and advise that you will call them back using the 101 number. ‧ Use a different phone line to call back if possible, i.e a mobile phone if the call was received on your landline. ‧ If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible. ‧ Never hand over money to some one at the door to be sent off elsewhere. ‧ If some one comes to your door claiming to be a police officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make note of their identification number. If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money or bank details, please call 101 to report, or visit http://ap66/spotlight/editor/scripts/www.actionfraud.police.uk to report online or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Distraction Burglaries (Spelthorne & Runnymede) Surrey Police are making residents aware following a number of distraction burglaries last week in Spelthorne and Runnymede Tactics used by the offenders to gain or attempt to gain entry to the properties include:
Householders can substantially reduce the possibility of being targeted in distraction offences by following a few simple steps:
Skimming device found on ATM in Woking Police in Woking are appealing for witnesses following the discovery of a skimming device on an ATM over the weekend. The device was found by a member of the public on the machine at Morrisons supermarket, Goldsworth Road, Woking at around 6.20pm on Saturday 18 May. It was removed by security staff who then alerted police. The victim in this case has checked his bank statements and fortunately no money has been taken from his account. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference WK/13/2922 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 Please take note of this advice ... ‧If you notice a suspicious device attached to a cash machine, do not remove it, either report it to the bank or to Surrey Police ‧If someone looks suspicious or gets too close while you are using the cash machine, cancel your transaction and go to another machine ‧Do not accept help from strangers and do not let anyone distract you ‧Stand close to the cash machine and do not let anyone see you enter your PIN ‧If the cash machine doesn't return your card, report it immediately to your card issuer It's Alarming! There have been an increasing number of reports of high pressure and misleading sales of alarms in the South East. *Some are being offered as 'free' but you have to sign up for an expensive maintenance contract. *Others are claiming to be working with the Police (which is not true!) *Claims are being made that their response times are better than 999 (we very much doubt it!) *Other traders claim to have taken over from the previous company, but then pressure you into taking out an expensive contract. Please note that any reputable company will be registered with the Security Industry Authority and conform to British Standard BS8243 We suggest that if you are considering an alarm system that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that what you are signing meets your needs! NB Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisor's - please call 101 to enquire. HRMC tax credit phishing emails HM Revenue and Customs are warning tax claimants about phishing emails sent out by fraudsters in the run-up to the renewal deadline. The warning comes as HMRC has launched an advertising campaign to remind claimants to renew their tax credits or their payments might stop on the deadline of 31st July 2013. Over 22,000 phishing emails were reported to HMRC during the tax credit renewals period from April to July last year. Over 147 scam websites were shut down in countries all over the world but new ones are continuously created by fraudsters. Phishing emails often promise money back. They include a link, which actually diverts the user to a fake HMRC website. From here, fraudsters gather personal information to try and steal money from the victim's account. HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email. For further information visit the HMRC website. Recalls We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumers safe! The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock. Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm http://recalluk.com/ http://www.food.gov.uk/ Tesco 1000W Lawnmower Model Number ELM032012 (shown on rating plate on the front) is being recalled as they may overheat and catch fire. Please return it to the store for a refund or contact Tesco customer service on 0800 505 555 BNB Medical Laser Hair Remover | ||||||
If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on Email: 11728@surrey.pnn.police.uk Tel: 101 | | |||||
| | |||||
Thursday 18th April 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Paypal Phishing!
We are warning consumers and small businesses, especially those subscribed with PayPal, to be aware of a potential email phishing scam.
We have been forwarded a suspicious email which at first glance appears to be genuine. The email confirms the payment for a subscription or a payment sent or received which the recipient will have no knowledge of and they then start to query the transaction. However, in reality no such a transaction has taken place, as the email is designed to get the recipient to click on an attached web-link in order to seek a “refund” or "confirmation". Having followed this link, the recipient will then be asked to provide or “confirm” various bank/ credit card and personal details.
This email has all the hallmarks of a phishing scam and our advice should you receive one of these emails:
If you have doubts as to whether an email is actually from PayPal or not, report it by forwarding to spoof@paypal.com ( do not alter the subject line or forward the message as an attachment) and then delete the email from your computer.
Are you fed up with receiving visits to your home from cold calling traders?
Are you concerned about rogue traders calling on your elderly or vulnerable neighbours, seeking work?
If so, say "no" to cold calling doorstep traders with a Surrey Trading Standards door sticker.
We work closely with Surrey Police and other agencies to help reduce incidents of distraction burglary and rogue trading. Our sticker initiative is designed to empower residents, giving them the confidence to deal with cold calling traders.
We are committed to protecting Surrey residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, from being taken advantage of by rogue traders. We want to reduce the fear of crime and prevent residents from feeling pressurised on their doorsteps to make decisions that they may not otherwise make.
Pick up your free pack which includes a sticker to display on your property to send a clear message to cold calling traders. We expect all traders to respect your wishes but if they don't, they may be liable to prosecution for ignoring you request to leave and not return.
Sticker packs can be collected from your local council office, police station or library. We also hope to make them available through the Neighbourhood Watch network. If you have any trouble getting a sticker pack, please contact Surrey County Council on 03456 009 009
Click here to find out more about the stickers
Check It Tuesday!
Recently, the media has highlighted a number of house fires that were the result of the homeowners unaware of the dangerous recalled goods that were in their property.
On Tuesdays, we will be calling on our followers to “Check It“, requesting them to not only check the appliances in their own home, and the food in their cupboards, but those of their friends, family and neighbours.
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) says one person is killed every seven days by an electrical accident and 350,000 people are injured annually, partly because of a “shockingly low” response to product alerts.The charity found the average success rate of a product recall is just 10%-20%.
With around 400 products recalled each year and manufacturers making hundreds of thousands of items, it is thought millions of dangerous items stay in people’s homes.
Research by the ESC shows almost two million adults have knowingly ignored a recall notice and a further one million admit owning an electrical item that has been recalled.
The bottom line is that people have died, been injured and had significant damage done to their homes because they did not know about recalls affecting products in their home.
The following are some of the incidents that were allegedly caused by recalled products AFTER the recalls were launched!
Faulty dryer blaze left us homeless
Two men killed by deadly gases
Bermondsey flat fire started by faulty fridge
Bosch Dishwasher Fire
Faulty fridge exploded and burst into flames
Barnoldswick couple’s fire escape terror
Faulty dryer blamed for blaze which wrecked pensioners’ home
There have been many, many more.
If the owners of these products had known about the recalls these incidents would never have happened.
Apologies to Beko and Bosch as the examples above all relate to their products. There is no suggestion that other manufacturers have not had exactly the same issues. Unfortunately, information on these other recalls is not as readily available.
In addition to Recalls highlighted in these TS Alerts, each Tuesday via our Facebook and Twitter accounts, we will be highlighting some of the products that are subject to product recalls, and all we ask of you is to do three things:
1. Share the information with your followers on Twitter @surreyts using the hashtag #CheckItTuesday and share the links on Facebookfacebook.com/surreytradingstandards that we post on our page.
2. Check your home for the products that have been recalled
3. Check the homes of your friends, family and neighbours who may not be aware of the recall
We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it’s an item that you use every day, but recall notices are issued to keep consumers safe. The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire, and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.
Psychic Scams & Miracle Cures!
We have been alerted to a leaflet being distributed in the Farnham area that claims the trader can protect you from black magic, help with exams and assist you through vulnerable times ..... etc.
Psychic and clairvoyant scams happen when a fraudster approaches you to tell you they have seen something either wonderful or terrible in your future. They ask for money in order to provide a full report about it.
The apparently psychic or clairvoyant fraudsters approach their victims by email, post, telephone call or even face-to-face.
They may tell you that you are in some kind of trouble, but can offer a solution in return for payment. They may claim to be able to give you winning lottery numbers, or offer to remove a curse.
Department for Transport recruitment scam
Job seekers are being warned of fraudsters offering fake jobs at the Department for Transport (DfT)
Members of the public have been contacted by an organisation called Broadview Security Limited offering an Department for Transport recruitment scam interview for a fictitious ‘security officer’ post in London.
The company asks victims to complete a detailed application form and pay a £25 fee towards a Criminal Records Bureau check through paysafe card.
More details can be found on the Action Fraud website
Scottish & Southern Energy
Any customer who signed up to a Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) contract on their doorstep, by phone or at a shopping centre could have a mis-selling claim against the company.
Last week, the 'big six' energy firm was fined £10.5 million after energy watchdog Ofgem found it misled some customers into switching between October 2009 and September 2012. It told them they would save money, when they were actually put onto a more expensive deal.
This led on from our ground breaking prosecution in 2011 when the energy provider was fined £1.25 million by Guildford Crown Court for misleading door-to-door sales practices between September 2008 and July 2009 following a prosecution by Surrey Trading Standards (see a SSE fined £1.25 million energy mis-selling news story).
How to claim refunds:
SSE has promised to fully refund customers who can show they switched to SSE after being given inaccurate information or were misled.
If you think you've been affected by SSE mis-selling and haven't received a letter from them, call 0800 975 3341.
If your claim is rejected, you can complain to the free Energy Ombudsman.
Further information can be seen on the Money Saving Expert website.
Customers with an allergy to egg or milk, or an intolerance of milk or milk constituents are advised not to eat this product, but to return it to the nearest Asda store for a full refund. Customers can also contact the Asda Customer Services Department by calling 0800 952 0101.
Asda Deli Pork And Egg Slices
Asda is recalling its Deli Pork And Egg Slices (250g) from customers, because a labelling error has resulted the products being labelled with a 'use by' date of 17 August 2013 rather than 17 April 2013. Eating a product past the intended 'use by' date could pose a risk to health.
For further queries on Asda recalls you can contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.
Japanese carmakers announce worldwide passenger airbag recall
The big Japanese carmakers, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda, are recalling over 3 million cars worldwide due to a safety concern with passenger airbags.
The problem is the vehicles have a defective part which could cause the airbag inflator to rupture and deploy the airbag abnormally in a crash. So far, only Toyota have received report of incidents related to the issue.
According to the BBC, Toyota is recalling 76,000 UK-bought vehicles, Honda over 15,000 and Nissan approximately 60,000. Are far as we know, no UK Mazda models are affected.
UK models affected include:-
When this recall is formally launched in the UK we will update the relevant car recall pages with details of the specific cars being recalled.
Paypal Phishing!
We are warning consumers and small businesses, especially those subscribed with PayPal, to be aware of a potential email phishing scam.
We have been forwarded a suspicious email which at first glance appears to be genuine. The email confirms the payment for a subscription or a payment sent or received which the recipient will have no knowledge of and they then start to query the transaction. However, in reality no such a transaction has taken place, as the email is designed to get the recipient to click on an attached web-link in order to seek a “refund” or "confirmation". Having followed this link, the recipient will then be asked to provide or “confirm” various bank/ credit card and personal details.
This email has all the hallmarks of a phishing scam and our advice should you receive one of these emails:
- Firstly, do not reply to the email, as this may alert the sender that your email address is currently active and you may be targeted by future email scams.
- Do not open any attached documents or click on web-links, as these may contain viruses that may harm your computer.
- Finally, never provide your personal or bank account details without checking whether the email is genuine or if unsure of the sender’s intentions.
If you have doubts as to whether an email is actually from PayPal or not, report it by forwarding to spoof@paypal.com ( do not alter the subject line or forward the message as an attachment) and then delete the email from your computer.
Cold Calling Traders
- We have received reports of traders offering work on driveways in the Camberley area.
- Also traders are knocking on doors in the Staines area offering roof work.
Are you fed up with receiving visits to your home from cold calling traders?
Are you concerned about rogue traders calling on your elderly or vulnerable neighbours, seeking work?
If so, say "no" to cold calling doorstep traders with a Surrey Trading Standards door sticker.
We work closely with Surrey Police and other agencies to help reduce incidents of distraction burglary and rogue trading. Our sticker initiative is designed to empower residents, giving them the confidence to deal with cold calling traders.
We are committed to protecting Surrey residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, from being taken advantage of by rogue traders. We want to reduce the fear of crime and prevent residents from feeling pressurised on their doorsteps to make decisions that they may not otherwise make.
Pick up your free pack which includes a sticker to display on your property to send a clear message to cold calling traders. We expect all traders to respect your wishes but if they don't, they may be liable to prosecution for ignoring you request to leave and not return.
Sticker packs can be collected from your local council office, police station or library. We also hope to make them available through the Neighbourhood Watch network. If you have any trouble getting a sticker pack, please contact Surrey County Council on 03456 009 009
Click here to find out more about the stickers
Check It Tuesday!
Recently, the media has highlighted a number of house fires that were the result of the homeowners unaware of the dangerous recalled goods that were in their property.
On Tuesdays, we will be calling on our followers to “Check It“, requesting them to not only check the appliances in their own home, and the food in their cupboards, but those of their friends, family and neighbours.
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) says one person is killed every seven days by an electrical accident and 350,000 people are injured annually, partly because of a “shockingly low” response to product alerts.The charity found the average success rate of a product recall is just 10%-20%.
With around 400 products recalled each year and manufacturers making hundreds of thousands of items, it is thought millions of dangerous items stay in people’s homes.
Research by the ESC shows almost two million adults have knowingly ignored a recall notice and a further one million admit owning an electrical item that has been recalled.
The bottom line is that people have died, been injured and had significant damage done to their homes because they did not know about recalls affecting products in their home.
The following are some of the incidents that were allegedly caused by recalled products AFTER the recalls were launched!
Faulty dryer blaze left us homeless
Two men killed by deadly gases
Bermondsey flat fire started by faulty fridge
Bosch Dishwasher Fire
Faulty fridge exploded and burst into flames
Barnoldswick couple’s fire escape terror
Faulty dryer blamed for blaze which wrecked pensioners’ home
There have been many, many more.
If the owners of these products had known about the recalls these incidents would never have happened.
Apologies to Beko and Bosch as the examples above all relate to their products. There is no suggestion that other manufacturers have not had exactly the same issues. Unfortunately, information on these other recalls is not as readily available.
In addition to Recalls highlighted in these TS Alerts, each Tuesday via our Facebook and Twitter accounts, we will be highlighting some of the products that are subject to product recalls, and all we ask of you is to do three things:
1. Share the information with your followers on Twitter @surreyts using the hashtag #CheckItTuesday and share the links on Facebookfacebook.com/surreytradingstandards that we post on our page.
2. Check your home for the products that have been recalled
3. Check the homes of your friends, family and neighbours who may not be aware of the recall
We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it’s an item that you use every day, but recall notices are issued to keep consumers safe. The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire, and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.
Psychic Scams & Miracle Cures!
We have been alerted to a leaflet being distributed in the Farnham area that claims the trader can protect you from black magic, help with exams and assist you through vulnerable times ..... etc.
Psychic and clairvoyant scams happen when a fraudster approaches you to tell you they have seen something either wonderful or terrible in your future. They ask for money in order to provide a full report about it.
The apparently psychic or clairvoyant fraudsters approach their victims by email, post, telephone call or even face-to-face.
They may tell you that you are in some kind of trouble, but can offer a solution in return for payment. They may claim to be able to give you winning lottery numbers, or offer to remove a curse.
Department for Transport recruitment scam
Job seekers are being warned of fraudsters offering fake jobs at the Department for Transport (DfT)
Members of the public have been contacted by an organisation called Broadview Security Limited offering an Department for Transport recruitment scam interview for a fictitious ‘security officer’ post in London.
The company asks victims to complete a detailed application form and pay a £25 fee towards a Criminal Records Bureau check through paysafe card.
More details can be found on the Action Fraud website
Scottish & Southern Energy
Any customer who signed up to a Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) contract on their doorstep, by phone or at a shopping centre could have a mis-selling claim against the company.
Last week, the 'big six' energy firm was fined £10.5 million after energy watchdog Ofgem found it misled some customers into switching between October 2009 and September 2012. It told them they would save money, when they were actually put onto a more expensive deal.
This led on from our ground breaking prosecution in 2011 when the energy provider was fined £1.25 million by Guildford Crown Court for misleading door-to-door sales practices between September 2008 and July 2009 following a prosecution by Surrey Trading Standards (see a SSE fined £1.25 million energy mis-selling news story).
How to claim refunds:
SSE has promised to fully refund customers who can show they switched to SSE after being given inaccurate information or were misled.
If you think you've been affected by SSE mis-selling and haven't received a letter from them, call 0800 975 3341.
If your claim is rejected, you can complain to the free Energy Ombudsman.
Further information can be seen on the Money Saving Expert website.
Recalls
ASDA 'Smart Price' Corned Beef, 340g tin
'Best before' date: all date codes
ASDA previously withdrew the above product on 8 March 2013 due to the detection of equine DNA in the product. Following further sampling and testing, low levels of phenylbutazone have been found in some of the samples. ASDA has therefore instigated a recall of the above product from consumers and the company will be issuing recall notices in the national press. These notices will alert customers to the recall and advise them of what actions to take if they have purchased the product.
Asda is withdrawing its Tomato and Onion Dip with a ‘use by’ date of 22 April 2013, because a packaging error means some packs may contain a Raita product that contains milk and egg, which are not declared on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for people who are allergic to egg or milk, or intolerant of milk or milk constituents.
The product being withdrawn is:
ASDA 'Smart Price' Corned Beef, 340g tin
'Best before' date: all date codes
ASDA previously withdrew the above product on 8 March 2013 due to the detection of equine DNA in the product. Following further sampling and testing, low levels of phenylbutazone have been found in some of the samples. ASDA has therefore instigated a recall of the above product from consumers and the company will be issuing recall notices in the national press. These notices will alert customers to the recall and advise them of what actions to take if they have purchased the product.
Asda is withdrawing its Tomato and Onion Dip with a ‘use by’ date of 22 April 2013, because a packaging error means some packs may contain a Raita product that contains milk and egg, which are not declared on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for people who are allergic to egg or milk, or intolerant of milk or milk constituents.
The product being withdrawn is:
- Asda Tomato and Onion Dip, 70g
- ‘Use by’ date: 22 April 2013
Customers with an allergy to egg or milk, or an intolerance of milk or milk constituents are advised not to eat this product, but to return it to the nearest Asda store for a full refund. Customers can also contact the Asda Customer Services Department by calling 0800 952 0101.
Asda Deli Pork And Egg Slices
Asda is recalling its Deli Pork And Egg Slices (250g) from customers, because a labelling error has resulted the products being labelled with a 'use by' date of 17 August 2013 rather than 17 April 2013. Eating a product past the intended 'use by' date could pose a risk to health.
For further queries on Asda recalls you can contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.
Japanese carmakers announce worldwide passenger airbag recall
The big Japanese carmakers, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda, are recalling over 3 million cars worldwide due to a safety concern with passenger airbags.
The problem is the vehicles have a defective part which could cause the airbag inflator to rupture and deploy the airbag abnormally in a crash. So far, only Toyota have received report of incidents related to the issue.
According to the BBC, Toyota is recalling 76,000 UK-bought vehicles, Honda over 15,000 and Nissan approximately 60,000. Are far as we know, no UK Mazda models are affected.
UK models affected include:-
- Toyotas, including Corolla and Yaris
- Nissans, including X-Trail, Patrol, Almera, Almera Tino, Terrano II and Navara
- Hondas, CRVs, Jazz and Civic models.
When this recall is formally launched in the UK we will update the relevant car recall pages with details of the specific cars being recalled.
___________________________________________________
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
You have been sent this information as a subscriber to Surrey County Council's Trading Standards Service TS @lerts. If you wish to stop receiving these please email:trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk and type ‘TS @lert stop’ in the subject line
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Monday 8th April 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
One last chance to let us know your thoughts about these alerts via the survey!
(Of course you can contact us anytime with feedback!)
We would like to gauge the popularity and usefulness of these alerts and would really appreciate you taking just 2 minutes to answer our quick survey.
So - no matter who you are or what organisation you work for, please help us improve our services!
Just follow the link!
Cold Callers:
White-Lining
We have received reports of cold calling traders approaching Parish councils purporting to be from the local council that have been painting white lines on roads and have material left over. They have said to be quoting one price and then charging another.
Please note that these traders are NOT from a Borough or District council.
Will Writing
Please be aware of a cold calling trader offering a will writing service for £100. Reports suggest that once inside and the sales pitch actually starts there is pressure applied to the resident to also set up additional services such as power of attorney, trust funds and the like thus costing the client £1000's!
Kitchen Equipment & Knives
We have received reports of cold calling traders in the Godalming area knocking on doors trying to selling expensive knives and kitchen utensils costing £1000's and demanding payment in Euros, but offering no paperwork or cancellation rights.
Landscaping / Roof Cleaning etc
We have received reports of cold calling traders offering these services in the Warlingham and Walton areas. Also in the Normandy area traders are approaching people in the street offering property maintenance.
Alarm Company
Over the past few months we have continuously received reports of traders selling alarm systems door to door. This seems a Surrey-wide problem and with varying sales tactics. Sometimes claims are made that they are working and are registered with the Police, others are more like scare tactics claiming that the resident is living in a high crime area. In any event high pressured sales tactics are used and lies told!
You may remember from a previous TS Alert that we confirmed that Group One Security had gone into liquidation and some consumers with these alarm systems are being contacted by a new monitoring company who will try to sell you a new contract.
We suggest that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that that what you are signing meets your needs.
It would be advisable to consider if you want to pay an up-front free in addition to a monthly contract. (NB A large up-front fee may be lost should a company go into liquidation)
Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free, independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisors - please call 101 to enquire!
Our advice is to NEVER deal with doorstep traders.
Do not invite them in or offer to buy products at the door as they can be very persuasive!
Try using our No Cold Calling Sticker to deter them and to remind yourself to say NO to doorstep callers!
Click here to find out more about the stickers
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
Playstation 4 testers scam (Facebook)
This scam is hugely viral at the moment and being shared like crazy. The page has garnered almost 30 thousand likes, and
the photo has been shared over 65 thousand times.
"I’m very stoked about the ps4!!
I wanna be a beta tester for the system >_<
Sony needs testers for the new PlayStation 4. You will get to keep the new PS4 after you’ve tested it.
We will contact the winners through Facebook.
If you want to be a tester for the new PS4, you must share this photo and like our page. We will choose people at random
in 1 week."
Never complete surveys to unlock videos or other content on Facebook.... Scammers use these tricks to either spread
malware, obtain personal identification or earn commissions from marketing companies.
Don’t pad their pocket and possibly open yourself up to harm!
Recalls
- Wilko 180 capsule 2mg garlic capsules
Item code: 0330027
Wilkinsons have recently become aware that the above product is wrongly labelled 'suitable for vegetarians and vegans'.
The product contains gelatin of animal origin. Consequently it is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Please note that in all other respects this product remains safe.
If you do not wish to continue to use the product please return to the store for a refund.
- Argos have issued a product safety warning!
recautionary measure. Although extremely unlikely, a very small number of items ...may have insects in the timber used for
he products sold within this period. The insects are not harmful and pose no risk to you or your property.
Please return the following products to store for a full refund or an alternative product.
904/7370 Navy 4 drawer storage unit
875/5821 Chocolate and cream 4 drawer storage unit
901/9889 Cream triple wardrobe
901/9755 Cream double wardrobe
The affected model numbers are:-
- HNC6185A
- HNC6185AE
- HNC6185W
- HNC6185WE
- HNC6200A
- HNC6200WE
Saturday 16th March 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Bogus Trading Standards Officer
We have had a report that an elderly lady in the Esher area was cold called by a someone posing as a Trading Standards Officer.
They were allegedly checking up on some work that was previously undertaken at the property.
The fraudster followed this up with a phone call to the resident saying that they had caught the rogue but needed cash (£1000's) to assist with evidence and later turned up on the doorstep to retrieve the money.
Police are investigating.
Please be aware that Trading Standards NEVER cold call on residents and we always carry identification that can be quickly verified by calling Surrey County Council.
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
Watch what you sign
If you buy something or sign an agreement at your door and it costs over £35 you have a right to cancel within 7 days - this is known as the cooling off period.
The caller MUST give you a written cancellation form setting out your rights and failure to do this means that they are committing a criminal offence and the agreement isn't valid
When you sign any agreement PLEASE read it carefully .... some traders are adding in sections for you to sign to agree to the work starting within the cooling off period.
As a consumer you can request the work to start within the cooling off period, for example you may need work carried out in an emergency, but you should instigate this request and must make it in writing. You should never be asked to sign anything to agree to the work starting immediately unless you have requested this.
If you do agree to the work starting within the 7 day cooling off period and you then later change your mind, you may be liable for the reasonable cost of goods and services supplied before the end of the cancellation period.
For further advice please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06
Group One Security
Residents may want to be aware that Group One Security has gone into liquidation and some consumers with these alarm systems are being contacted by a new monitoring company who will try to sell you a new contract.
We suggest that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that that what you are signing meets your needs.
Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free, independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisors - please call 101 to enquire!
For further consumer advice on this subject please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06
Cut Films Competition
Are you under 25 and live in Surrey? Are you creative? Think you could be the next Danny Boyle, Hitchcock or Spielberg?
We invite you to make an advert or short film lasting less than 2 minutes that will persuade your mates to not smoke.
This is an anti-smoking film competition. We want you to be creative, inspiring and persuasive.... and there are some excellent prizes!
If you’re a teacher or a youth worker working with young people then why not get involved?
There’s a £250 award for any school or youth club in Surrey that supports the winning Surrey Judges’ Choice film.
All films will be automatically entered into the National Cut Films competition with the opportunity to have your film showcased at BAFTA HQ.
If you buy something or sign an agreement at your door and it costs over £35 you have a right to cancel within 7 days - this is known as the cooling off period.
The caller MUST give you a written cancellation form setting out your rights and failure to do this means that they are committing a criminal offence and the agreement isn't valid
When you sign any agreement PLEASE read it carefully .... some traders are adding in sections for you to sign to agree to the work starting within the cooling off period.
As a consumer you can request the work to start within the cooling off period, for example you may need work carried out in an emergency, but you should instigate this request and must make it in writing. You should never be asked to sign anything to agree to the work starting immediately unless you have requested this.
If you do agree to the work starting within the 7 day cooling off period and you then later change your mind, you may be liable for the reasonable cost of goods and services supplied before the end of the cancellation period.
For further advice please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06
Group One Security
Residents may want to be aware that Group One Security has gone into liquidation and some consumers with these alarm systems are being contacted by a new monitoring company who will try to sell you a new contract.
We suggest that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that that what you are signing meets your needs.
Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free, independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisors - please call 101 to enquire!
For further consumer advice on this subject please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06
Cut Films Competition
Are you under 25 and live in Surrey? Are you creative? Think you could be the next Danny Boyle, Hitchcock or Spielberg?
We invite you to make an advert or short film lasting less than 2 minutes that will persuade your mates to not smoke.
This is an anti-smoking film competition. We want you to be creative, inspiring and persuasive.... and there are some excellent prizes!
If you’re a teacher or a youth worker working with young people then why not get involved?
There’s a £250 award for any school or youth club in Surrey that supports the winning Surrey Judges’ Choice film.
All films will be automatically entered into the National Cut Films competition with the opportunity to have your film showcased at BAFTA HQ.
4. Recalls
Asda Smart Price Potato Salad as they may contain peanuts that have not been declared.
250g pack with a use-by date 26th March 2013. Please return it to the store for a refund.
___________________________________________________
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
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Saturday 9th March 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
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Gas Safe - Advice for Consumers & Businesses
Did you know that by law ALL gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register?
It’s all about safety. If someone other than a Gas Safe registered engineer does the gas work in your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Every gas engineer carries a Gas Safe Register ID card with their own unique licence number, showing the type of gas work they are qualified to do. Before any gas work is carried out, always make sure you ask to see their Gas Safe Register ID card. The card is there for your protection. Make sure that you check the front and the back of the card.
You can also check that your engineer is Gas Safe registered by calling Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500, using the check an engineer service online or by texting Gas then the engineer licence number to 85080.
It has been noted that some food businesses in Surrey have had gas inspections by engineers without the correct qualification - such businesses need to ensure that their engineer is qualified to inspect non domestic - catering appliances.
You can check by looking at your certificate and cross referencing the information on the website. If the engineer was not qualified in this sector, you MUST have your premises inspected again by one that is asap!
To find a gas engineer in your area you can use this link; find a Gas Safe registered business service online or call 0800 408 5500
Music Concerts & other events!
Justin Bieber's late appearance at the O2 arena – on a school night no less – prompted a furious reaction from fans and their parents.
Apart from being pretty frustrating if you’re a Belieber (a Justin Bieber believer, don’t you know), do you have any legal rights to a refund?
Unfortunately, the answer is probably no. You paid to see Justin Bieber, and he showed up – even if he was very late. However, you could still try to get a refund from the promoter, AEG Live, by emailing enquiries@aeglive.co.uk.
The story’s a bit different if the event you’ve booked for is cancelled, rescheduled or has changed location – in those cases you may be entitled to a refund of at least the face value of the ticket.
Check the ticket seller’s terms and conditions before buying your tickets, as while you’ll get the face value of your ticket back, you may be out of pocket on the extra fees charged by your ticket seller. And be careful about simply changing your mind – no matter the reason, you’d be very unlikely to get a refund.
V Festival tickets have recently gone on sale - make sure you buy genuine tickets!
Ticket fraud happens when you buy tickets from an official looking website, but the tickets fail to arrive or turn out to be completely fake.
It is easy for fraudsters to set up a legitimate looking websites and even use similar URL’s to dupe you. It is important to remember that if you use unofficial ticket outlet websites, ticket re-sale outlets or touts you take the risk of being scammed.
Protect yourself against ticket fraud
- Always check with the event organiser for official ticket distribution lists.
- Pay for tickets by credit card – the card issuer is jointly liable for a failure for goods or services to be provided as long as the price of a single ticket is over than £100.
- Only make purchase from sites encrypted for payment. Look for the closed padlock and the web address in the browser should begin “https”.
- If you are unsure about a website, run a quick online search and check ticketing forums to find feedback from others.
- Look out for telephone numbers starting 070 or 004470. These can be set-up on the Internet and answered anywhere in the world.
- Check sellers’ privacy policy and returns policy.
Continuation Payment
Please be aware that if you sign up for something that at first glance seems to be free such as beauty products, books or even a dating agency, yet you have to fill our you bank details PLEASE read the terms and conditions!
You may find that if you don't cancel the agreement within a set number of days you may end up paying out £'s!
Golden Eye International
Have you received a letter from Golden Eye International demanding payment and threatening court action for copyright infringement via peer to peer filesharing networks? If so, it is advised that you contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06. They offer free, impartial and confidential advice!
Cold Callers
Reports of cold calling traders offering driveway work in the Caterham area.
Reports of cold calling traders offering gardening working in the Guildford area.
Report of cold calling trader in the Haslemere area charging lots for minor roofing work.
Reports of cold calling traders offering carpet cleaning services in the Waverley area.... once these rogues get a foot in the door they may find further 'problems' such as carpet mites and charge you more than the original quote!
Do not invite them in or offer to buy products at the door as they can be very persuasive! Try using our No Cold Calling Sticker to deter them and to remind yourself to say NO to doorstep callers!
If you do need a trustworthy trader then give one of our Buy With Confidence members a go!
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
4. Recalls
- Asda is recalling some of their Hot Air Stylers because there is a risk that they may overheat and the sharp points on the
styler could cause injury.
Batch Code - 15B.10.12.109 (found on a label on the handle of the styler)
If you have the affected Asda Hot Air Styler you should return it to your nearest Asda store for a full refund.
If you have any questions about this recall you can contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.
- SupaValu Tuna & Sweetcorn Sandwich (use-by 8/3/12)
These sandwiches sold from Londis & Budgen have been recalled after discovering that they have been wrongly labelled and actually contain prawn. Those with an crustacean allergy are advised to avoid!
___________________________________________________
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
You have been sent this information as a subscriber to Surrey County Council's Trading Standards Service TS @lerts. If you wish to stop receiving these please email: trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk and type ‘TS @lert stop’ in the subject line
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Money due from your pension - cold calling scam!
We have had reports of residents receiving cold telephone calls from someone who stated he was ringing about the consumers pension and that they may be due bonus money. The caller stated that the consumer could receive up to £10000 and should listen to the pre recorded instructions.
Variations could include offers to collect your pension on your behalf if you can't get out of the house, or scare you that you are at risk of loosing your pension if you do not follow the instructions.
This is a well known scam that tries to gain personal information - please don't give it to them!
Sewage problem?
A resident in the Epsom area was cold called by a male stating that the main sewer had cracked right outside his property and that the road needed digging up. He also then told the resident that he would have to buy an item for his toilet to stop sewage flooding his house!
This was all false! Just a way of trying to scam some money by scaring the householder!
Luckily this consumer had his wits about him - others may not be so lucky!
ADVICE: Do not invite them in or offer to buy products at the door as they can be very persuasive! Try using our No Cold Calling Sticker to deter them and to remind yourself to say NO to doorstep callers!
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
Moss on your roof? Don't panic!
"S'cuse me love ... I see there's a load of moss on your roof! I can sort it for you .... only cost ya £1000, special price if I do it now!" .........Sound familiar?
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors have never recognised the practice of moss removal or roof painting as a true roofing discipline. The reason being, in most instances, moss on roof tiles is rarely a problem and only needs to be removed if it is blocking gutters, outlets and other drainage points on the roof. Most ‘techniques’ that we have come across to remove moss, are often achieved by ‘violent’ means such as power-washing, which may cause damage to the roof, especially when combined with unnecessary foot traffic often leading to cracked or broken roof tiles.
If you need something doing try one of our recommended Buy With Confidence traders!
Redhill Appliances
Sadly another company goes into administration - this time one of our local traders Redhill Appliances.
This has prompted several enquiries about goods that have not been delivered etc.
These points may help:
- Refunds. When firms go into administration, you often cannot return faulty items or have them exchanged. While this may be a legal right, you become a 'creditor' with others the firm owes money to.
- Non-delivered items. It is unclear what will happen to recent orders that have yet to be delivered. Be warned, they may never arrive.
- Warranties. If you have bought an extended warranty, this is an insurance contract so it should still be valid anyway. The contract is with an insurance company, not the retailer. If you're unsure, if the contract says it's "regulated by the Financial Services Authority", it's probably an insurance contract.
- Can I claim? If faulty items are not replaced, or deliveries never come, you should be covered under Section 75, if you paid by credit card and the item cost more than £100 - please contact your card issuer for advice and hopefully a refund!. If you paid by credit card for goods under £100, or on a debit card, you may be able to claim via Visa or Mastercard's chargeback schemes.
If you need any further or more specific advice give the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline a call on 08454 04 05 06
Horse meat Investigation
The Food Standards Agency is urgently investigating, in conjunction with other Government departments, local authorities and the food industry, how a number of beef products on sale in the UK came to contain horse meat.
For up to date information and for answers to the most frequently asked questions please take a look at the agency's website:
There is also a dedicated phone line: 0845 0518322
Recalls
Mothercare travel swings
We have become aware that in some circumstances there is potential for a child to fall from the swing or for the swing to tip. This could pose a risk of injury to the child.
These were sold in Mothercare stores and on the Mothercare website.
| | style no: K2839 mothercare ‘please look after me bear’ travel swing sold from July 2009 |
| | style no: R2428 mothercare ‘little circus’ travel swing sold from July 2011 |
| | style no: N2081 mothercare ‘my jungle family’ travel swing sold from July 2010 |
| | style no: U1955 mothercare ‘loved so much’ travel swing sold from August 2012 |
If you own one of these travel swings please stop using it immediately and return it to a Mothercare store where a full refund will be given.
If you have any queries please contact the Mothercare helpline on 0844 875 5122
Berry Bouncing Cradle sold at Toys R Us
If you have one of these cradles, please check the date code on the care label in the pocket behind the backrest.
Date codes affected are12062011 and 06182012.
Please return the cradle to your nearest store for an exchange or refund.
Customer helpline for Toys R Us is 01628 690700
KB Natural Foods Ltd is recalling three batches of its own-brand pre-packaged cashew nuts and almonds, after the company's packing plant was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice because of a rodent infestation.
All date codes of the following products are being recalled from customers:
- KB Natural Foods Cashew Nuts, 150g Batch code: IH151112
- KB Natural Foods Cashew Nuts, 700g Batch code: IH030113
- KB Natural Foods Almonds, 225g Batch code: IH140113
If you have bought one of the above products, please do not eat it. Instead, take it to store you bought it from for a full refund.
___________________________________________________
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
You have been sent this information as a subscriber to Surrey County Council's Trading Standards Service TS @lerts. If you wish to stop receiving these please email: trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk and type ‘TS @lert stop’ in the subject line
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Tuesday 12th February 2013
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
Horse meat contamination in meat products
Trading standards services throughout the UK are working with the Food Standards Agency on a response strategy that will result in local authorities identifying and inspecting all food premises that are processing or repacking beef products within the UK to protect consumers.
For all up to date information about the situation please see the Food Standards Agency website www.food.gov.uk
There is also a dedicated telephone helpline 0845 051 8322
Recalls relating to this are:
- Aldi Today’s Special Frozen Beef Lasagne 400g
- Aldi Today’s Special Frozen Spaghetti Bolognese 400g
If you have bought either of the above products, please do not eat it, but contact Aldi Stores direct for a full refund.
- Findus Frozen Beef Lasagne 320g, 360g & 500g
If you have bought one of these products, do not eat it, but contact Findus UK direct on 0800 132584 for a full refund.
NB Last night Tescos announced the presence of horse meat in their Everyday Value Spaghetti Bolognese. At the time of writing, this has not yet prompted a product recall even though it has been withdrawn from sale.
It's Alarming!
There have been reports of a trader cold calling residents (at the door and by phone) in the Epsom area selling alarm systems.
They have also made claims that they are working with the Police - NOT TRUE!
The selling point is that the alarm is 'free' .... this maybe the case BUT the contract could end up costing £1000's!
Please note that any reputable company will be registered with the Security Industry Authority and conform to British Standard BS8243
As always our advice is to say NO to cold calling traders. You can report them to us on 08454 040506, however, if you feel at all threatened on your doorstep please dial 999 for police assistance.
Property Fraud - New dedicated helpline!
Property fraud can happen in many ways. Fraudsters may attempt to acquire ownership of a property either by using a forged document to transfer it into their own name, or by impersonating the registered owner.
Once they have raised money by mortgaging the property without the owner’s knowledge, they disappear without making repayments leaving the owner to deal with the consequences.
Individuals at a higher risk of fraud include owners living abroad; buy to let landlords and long term hospital patients. The telephone number is 0300 006 7030 where callers can report and speak to specially trained staff for practical guidance about what to do next.
Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre where you should report fraud if you have been scammed or defrauded.
They say ... "We provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime. People are scammed, ripped off or conned everyday and we want this to stop. We believe that we can beat fraud if we talk about it.
You can report fraud using our online fraud reporting service any time of the day or night; the service enables you to both report a fraud and find help and support. We also provide help and advice over the phone through the Action Fraud contact centre. You can talk to our fraud specialists by calling 0300 123 2040."
Stop Cold Calling
It's not just your average residential street that cold calling traders target, there has been an increasing number of reports from residents of mobile home parks, many of which are elderly.
Don't forget you can turn you own property into a No Cold Calling Zone by using one of our stickers!
Click here to find out more about the stickers.
You can pick them up from Council offices, Police Stations and libraries. You can also call to request one on 03456 009 009
Recalls
Asda Chosen By You Home Baking Whole Blanched Almonds, with a 'best before' date of 5 June 2013, because the product contains peanuts and walnuts which are not declared on the label
- Asda Chosen by You Home Baking Whole Blanched Almonds, 150g
- 'Best before' date: 5 June 2013
- Batch number: 2341
If you are allergic or sensitive to peanuts and walnuts please do not eat this product. You can return it to the nearest store for a full refund.
Tesco Mini Chocolate Crispies have been withdrawn because the product contains soya, which is not mentioned on the label. This is a potential health risk for anyone who is allergic to soya.
- Tesco Mini Chocolate Crispies, 49g
- Batch numbers: 2292, 2295, 2303, 2319, 3021
- All ‘best before’ dates between, and including, 19 May 2013 and 30 June 2013
Anyone with an allergy to soya is advised not to eat this product. Instead, you can return the product to a store for a full refund or contact the Tesco Freephone number on 0800 50 55 55.
Triumph Motorbikes: Thunderbird, Thunderbird Storm, Street Triple and Daytona 675 some models are being recalled and wheel bearings replaced.
A list of the affected VIN numbers can be seen on www.recalluk.com otherwise pleas cotact your local dealer for further information.
___________________________________________________
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
You have been sent this information as a subscriber to Surrey County Council's Trading Standards Service TS @lerts. If you wish to stop receiving these please email: trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk and type ‘TS @lert stop’ in the subject line
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| | | | |||
Surrey Police crackdown on vehicle crime with message to motorists that thieves can strike within 60 seconds
Surrey Police has launched an initiative this week in a bid to reduce vehicle crime across the county.
Your vehicle and valuables could be ‘gone in 60 seconds’, which is the central message behind the force’s latest auto crime campaign, a stark warning to motorists that thieves can break into your car and steal your valuables within a minute.
The initiative, running under the name Operation Marjoram, aims to crack down on thefts of and thefts from vehicles and will run for four weeks. As well as raising awareness amongst motorists about simple measures they can take to avoid falling victim to opportunist thieves, the campaign is also aimed at targeting offenders.
The campaign will be supported by a ‘wrapped’ car which will be parked in key hot spot areas throughout the county acting as a warning to both potential thieves and to vehicle owners to remove valuables and keep their vehicles locked. The wrapping on the car shows the inside of the vehicle with various valuables left in it as a reminder to motorists how easy it is for thieves. The messages on the car are "Don’t make it easy for thieves” and "Lock your car and remove all personal possessions”.
The campaign will also be supported by radio advertising reminding motorists to lock their vehicles even if they are only leaving them for a minute, and pointing out that cash, mobiles, laptops and handbags can all be "gone in 60 seconds” but that it takes longer to sort out insurance claims and getting damage fixed.
Activity will also include extra patrol teams focusing on the hot spot areas within Surrey and offenders known to be linked to vehicle crime. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team will also be stopping vehicles which are known to have been stolen or have links to offenders. The overall aim is to reduce the offences of theft from and theft of motor vehicles.
Operational activity for Operation Candlelight, Surrey Police’s burglary campaign, has also been extended to run alongside activities being carried out for Operation Marjoram.
The campaign has already led to a man being arrested on suspicion of drug offences. Officers on patrol for Operation Marjoram stopped a car on the A3 near Esher on Monday afternoon (7 January).
Police searched the vehicle and seized several bags containing a white substance, which was sent off for analysis.
A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drugs offences and taken to Staines Police Station where he was interviewed.
Jeffray Leung, 26, of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, has since been charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of class C drugs with intent to supply and speeding. He appeared at Staines Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday, 9 January) and was remanded in custody. He is next due to appear at the same court on Wednesday, 16 January.
Superintendent Darren McInnes, who is leading Operation Marjoram on behalf of the force, said: "Traditionally at this time of year we see a spike in the number of auto crimes being committed around the county. The force is currently achieving a 15% reduction in auto crime compared with the same period last year and we want to continue to see a similar reduction going forward. Our officers are focused on helping to ensure that we meet this target and will carry out high visibility patrols in hot spot areas, as well as relentlessly pursuing any offender suspected of being involved in auto crime. They will also be taking the car around to key hot spot areas around the county reminding motorists that opportunist thieves operate in their area, and pointing out some of the steps they can take to prevent themselves from becoming a victim.”
Supt McInnes advises the following steps to reduce vehicle crime:
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If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on Email: 11545@surrey.pnn.police.uk Tel: 101 | | |||||
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Surrey County Council Trading Standards
TS @lert!
As the deadline approaches for paying your self assessment tax bill, the scammers are stepping up their efforts to cash in!
A new wave of emails has been sent out to coincide with the deadline claiming that you are due a refund and can get your hands on £100's by passing on a few details.
HMRC will NEVER inform you of a tax rebate by email and will NEVER ask you to disclose personal information by email.
Please also be aware that links may take you to bogus websites and attachments may contain viruses so don't open them!
You can report fraud, including online or internet crimes on the Action Fraud website
2. Phishing emails
Phishing is a method used by fraudsters to access valuable personal details, such as usernames and passwords usually as a means to scam consumers out of money!
It can also involve sending malicious attachments or website links in an effort to infect computers or mobile devices.
Criminals send bogus communications: emails, letters, instant messages or text messages.
Very often these appear to be authentic communications from legitimate organisations such as banks.
Embedded links within the message can direct you to a hoax website where your login or personal details may be requested. You may also run the risk of your computer or smartphone being infected by viruses.
3. Investment in rare metals - a scam that could cost you the earth!
In recent years fraudulent cold calling telesales firms have branched out into selling land or wine as an investment which supposedly has the potential to enjoy considerable growth but would prove subsequently worthless or fetch nowhere near the price paid, often playing on the consumers ignorance and potentially loosing them £1000's.
An update on these scams is a caller offering a so-called "green energy bundle", where buyers can receive kilos of dysprosium,yttrium, lanthanum and neodymium. You are told these metals will move up sharply in value. But few have any idea of what these strange-sounding substances are or, more importantly, how to value and sell them.
For more information please take a look at this link to the Independent website
4. Counterfeit Condoms
The government's health regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency (MHRA) has warned there are a rising number of counterfeit condoms being smuggled into to the UK. Family planning experts say the bogus condoms don't provide protection against STIs or pregnancy. The best way to avoid being caught out is to make sure you buy condoms from reliable places.... and yes we have found some in Surrey!
For more information please see this link to the BBC website
5. Scam loans & Advance fee fraud
This type of scam occurs when a trader requires money up front for things such as administration or a credit check for services or loans that then do not materialise. A common way of requesting this is through legitimate schemes such as UKASH.
There has also been an increasing number of reports from people who have had their identity fraudulently used to take out payday loans. Please check you bank transactions carefully and if you spot anything suspicious notify your bank immediately.
Dos:
*Do be very careful when dealing with loan companies that charge upfront fees
*Do be cautious if a loan company cold-calls you
*Do some research about the business offering the loan - look for proper phone numbers and physical addresses and ask for information in writing
*Do check that the company has a credit licence on the Consumer Credit Register at www.oft.gov.uk/ConsumerCreditRegister
Don'ts:
*Don't believe adverts which indicate a loan is 'guaranteed'
*Don't give out your card details 'for security reasons' as the company may then debit your bank account without you knowing
*Don't wire money to loan companies using money transfer services when applying for loans
*Don't go ahead with a loan if a company approves it and then demands a fee before you get the money.
6. Consumer rights when a company goes into Administration - eg Jessops
- Refunds. When firms go into administration, you often cannot return faulty items or have them exchanged. While this may be a legal right, you become a 'creditor' with others the firm owes money to.
- Non-delivered items. It is unclear what will happen to recent orders that have yet to be delivered. Be warned, they may never arrive.
- Warranties. If you have bought an extended warranty, this is an insurance contract so it should still be valid anyway. The contract is with an insurance company, not the retailer. If you're unsure, if the contract says it's "regulated by the Financial Services Authority", it's probably an insurance contract.
- Can I claim? If faulty items are not replaced, or deliveries never come, you should be covered under Section 75, if you paid by credit card and the item cost more than £100. If you paid by credit card for goods under £100, or on a debit card, you may be able to claim via Visa or Mastercard's chargeback schemes.
- Gift Cards Administrators are allowed to render gift cards and vouchers invalid.
If you need any further or more specific advice give the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline a call on 08454 04 05 06
Recalls
- Asda Hot Pot 200g / all date codes
- Asda Baby Soothers
The soothers affected are sold in double packs of blue and pink and have a barcode of 0505244962706.
They have been withdrawn from sale and are being recalled from sale due to the possible risk of choking following a complaint from a customer that the outer casing became detached from the main soother.
If you have bought the Little Angels Cherry Soother 2-pack, please dispose of it or take it back to your local Asda for a full refund. No receipt is necessary.
- Poundland Dog Harness
Barcode-5025066665388
Routine testing has shown that under certain conditions when a strong dog is excited and straining on the harness the Velcro fastening may come undone allowing your dog to run free.Check the barcode on your purchase and return the item to your nearest store as soon as possible.
___________________________________________________
You can now see these alerts on our website!
All reports of frauds or scams can be reported to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or online via their website
For Textphone please dial 18001 followed by 08454 04 05 06
You have been sent this information as a subscriber to Surrey County Council's Trading Standards Service TS @lerts. If you wish to stop receiving these please email:trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk and type ‘TS @lert stop’ in the subject line
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