A Suffolk resident has received a call from someone purporting to be from Suffolk County Council, with the number displayed showing that they were calling from Brighton. The resident was suspicious of the call and hung up. A search of the number suggests it might be a scam with others reporting that the caller claims to be calling from their local Council or Housing Association, and goes on to ask information about their property.
As with any telephone call that you receive out of the blue, we urge you to be vigilant and take a moment to stop and think, especially if you receive a request over the phone or e-mail to make a payment from someone claiming to be from a trusted organisation. If you are in any doubt, contact the company or organisation directly using an email or phone number from their official website.
Impersonation scams occur when the victim is persuaded to make a payment to a criminal claiming to be from a trusted organisation. This could include the police, a bank, a utility company, or a government department.
Report all scam calls to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Suffolk schools have been targeted by rogue recruitment publishers, purporting to be associated with East Anglian Daily Times. The scammers are calling schools claiming to produce an online magazine and offer advertising space for vacancies available at the school.
Rogue publishers make huge sums of money by inducing large numbers of victims to pay for adverts in publications that do not exist or are not what people are led to believe.
To improve your chances of avoiding publication scams:
- do your own research before you choose where to advertise
- look out for the persuasion techniques used by scammers, and for warning signs that you are being targeted by a scam
- don't make a rushed decision, and do check small print carefully before signing any document. Make notes of any telephone conversation, and make sure that everything is confirmed in writing before making an agreement
- remember that a verbal contract is binding. Although you may be able to escape a contract if you were misled into making it, it is easier not to make the contract in the first place
- be aware that, as a business, you do not have the same cooling-off periods that are available to private consumers
- make sure that all staff who take external calls are aware of business scams
- check your systems and procedures for invoicing and payment to satisfy yourself that you are adequately protected
Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Baby stair gates are useful pieces of kit to keep any intrepid explorers away from stairs or out of rooms that they shouldn’t be in, but there are some key safety areas to consider before and after installing them.
How to fit a safety gate - There are a range of different safety gates available to suit your needs. When you are choosing a gate ensure you follow these steps below:
Make sure they meet the safety standard BS EN 1930:2011 and follow the fitting instructions.
If you are using second hand ensure they meet the standard and have fitting instructions. Ensure the gate is suitable for the space.
Remember - Never stack one stair gate on top of another to make a taller barrier – this is very dangerous and can cause serious injury for your child.
It can be difficult to know when to stop using safety gates. The time to remove them is when safety gates can cause a risk of accident. Remove them if your child can climb over them or your child can open them.
Safety gates are only suitable for use up until your child is 2 years old and it is important for you to be aware that there are increased risks if using them with children over 2. However there may be occasions in your home that you need safety gates above the age of 2, for example if you have one child over 2 and younger children in the home.
In these situations you could consider teaching your child to safely get up and down the stairs when they are ready. Always supervise your child around safety gates and think about the type of gate you have, for example make sure they do not have notches that make the gate easier to climb for a toddler.
Teach your older child to open and close them safely or ask for your help, and never let them climb over them.
If you are concerned about the safety of any product, report it to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Firewood labelled as Ready to Burn has a moisture content of 20% or less.
Ready to Burn logs and briquettes burn more efficiently than unseasoned, green wood and reduce environmental impact.
Ready to Burn wood is not only better for your appliance and chimney but will also reduce maintenance and fuel costs.
The government is phasing out the sale of wet wood sold in small volumes (under 2m3 ) in England from 1 May 2021. This legislation forms part of the UK commitment in the Clean Air Strategy to reduce emissions of damaging air pollutants by 2020 and 2030.
Wood sold in volumes of less than 2m3 must be certified as Ready to Burn by law from 1 May 2021. Wood products sold in volumes over 2m3 do not need to be certified as Ready to Burn, but they must be sold with advice on drying and an explanation of the issues of burning wet wood.
Why Dry, Clean Wood?
Using dry, Ready to Burn wood, logs & briquettes improves the efficiency of any appliance. It is a simple step to reduce your impact on the environment.
Wet wood creates smoke and particulates that are harmful to your health and the environment. It will also damage your stove and chimney and is an inefficient way to heat your home.
Firewood Storage Tips
OUTDOOR STORAGE: Protect from direct rain .Keep off the ground .Allow air to circulate .Do not closely cover logs, leave them on wet ground or open to the elements
INDOOR STORAGE: Always keep an adequate distance between your stove and your firewood as this may cause them to ignite
Two further outbreaks of Avian Influenza have been reported in Suffolk, both at commercial premises in Hinderclay.
A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the premises.
Housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from Avian Influenza are in force across England. It is a mandatory requirement to house your birds and practice strict biosecurity.
Keeping your birds undercover away from wild birds is vital to minimise the risk of them becoming infected with avian influenza by wild birds. But housing alone is not the only solution – it remains essential that you follow strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease spreading to your birds.
Sainsbury’s is recalling Beeline 3pk Stud Earrings as they have identified that the product has a higher than acceptable Nickel release, presenting a chemical risk to consumers.
Barcode No: 050261465403
SKU: 140791908
On sale from 28.06.22
If you have purchased the above product not to use them and to return them to their nearest Sainsbury's store, where they will receive a full refund.
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