21st March 2024 Trading Standards Bulletin

New measures to better protect the poultry sector from future avian influenza outbreaks have been set out by the government.

Under the changes announced there will be new requirements for all bird keepers - regardless of the size of their flock - to officially register their birds. Currently only those who keep 50 or more poultry must do so, limiting the effectiveness of our national disease control measures.

By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks.

This will help to manage potential disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, and limit any spread.

The information on the register will also be used to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance, so that zones can be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity and trade can resume more quickly following an outbreak of avian disease in Great Britain.

The changes come following the UK’s worst ever outbreak of avian influenza, with more than 360 cases across Great Britain since late October 2021, including in a significant number of backyard flocks.

In England and Wales keepers are encouraged to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1 October 2024. In Scotland, keepers should register from 1 September 2024 when there will be a new Scottish Kept Bird Register in place.

The new rules cover owners of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but do not affect caged pet birds (excluding any poultry species) kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling, such as a parrot, canary or budgie, which never leaves the property other than to visit a vet or another short-term period.

The requirements will be set out in legislation shortly and keepers will also be legally required to update their information on an annual basis.

Further information on the registration of birds can be found on www.gov.uk/government/publications/poultry-including-game-birds-registration-rules-and-forms

Have you received a scam message like this?

Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (it's free of charge).

iPhone or iPad: How to forward a text message:

1. Take a note of the number that sent you the message.
2. Press and hold on the message bubble.
3. Tap More.
4. Select the message or messages you want to forward.
5. Tap the arrow on the bottom right of your screen.
6. Input 7726 and send.

Android: How to forward a text message:

1. Take a note of the number that sent you the message.
2. Enter the conversation then press and hold on the message bubble.
3. Tap on the three vertical dots on the top right of your screen.
4. Tap Forward.
5. Input 7726 and send.

If 7726 doesn’t work, you can find out how to report a text message by contacting your phone provider.

You can also take a screenshot or screen recording of the text message and send it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.

• More than 22,500 people had their social media or email accounts hacked last year.
• £1.3 million lost from hacked email and social media account scams.

Data from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, shows that 22,530 people reported that their online accounts had been hacked in 2023, with victims losing a total of £1.3 million.

In the reports made to Action Fraud, there were various different methods of hacking reported, including:

On-platform chain hacking - This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner. The goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes that are sent to them via text. Many victims of this type of hacking believe it’s a friend messaging them, however the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account. Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters monetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, while impersonating the original account owner.

Leaked passwords and phishing - The other predominant method of hacking reported is leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords, or account details gained via phishing scams. This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking.

What can you do to avoid being a victim?

Use a strong and different password for your email and social media accounts. Your email and social media passwords should be strong and different from all your other passwords. Combining three random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.

Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email and social media accounts. 2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email or social media account. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password. You won't be asked for this every time you check your email or social media.

Mandate fraud is one of the most reported frauds in the UK. You can defend yourself and your business against it by following these simple tips:

• Take a moment to think.
• Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject any requests for your financial or personal details.
• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam.
  
  Find out more here www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/mandate-fraud

118 Cordless Drills and 80 Mini Chainsaws have been detained at the Port of Felixstowe by Suffolk Trading Standards Import Surveillance team.

The products failed to meet the requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, posing electrical shock, fire and explosion hazards. In addition the plugs with both products did not meet the requirements of the British Standard BS 1363 and also posed a risk of electric shock.

The consignment was due to be delivered to a warehouse in Staffordshire. The products have been removed from sale on eBay and the goods will be destroyed.

If you have purchased a product that you think may be unsafe, stop using it immediately and report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Product Recall for CareCo Allure Folding Shower Chair presenting a serious risk of injuries.

The product presents a serious risk of injuries due to the weakening of the frame under certain pressures. This could result in the user falling out of the chair whilst in use.

ALLURE FOLDING SHOWER CHAIR
PRODUCT CODE: BA06039.WHI / BA03040002

Do not use this product and return it to your nearest CareCo location for a full refund.

You can contact CareCo via email at fsn@careco.co.uk or call on 0800 111 4774.

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