Suffolktradingstandards's Blog

New Dating Scam Warning!

suffolktradingstandards — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:42:49 +0000

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received information concerning a new scam by criminals exploiting dating sites to facilitate fraud.

How the scam works:

1) The victim visits a website and engages in a relationship with the fraudster through an online dating site.

2) A conversation quickly develops and the two parties make plans to meet.

3) The fraudster requests that the victim obtain a “verification code” to show that they are a genuine person to meet.

4) The fraudster provides a contact name and/or company to the victim that can facilitate this ‘international verification’.

5) A Western Union payment requested to complete “verification”, with the destination for funds being in the Philippines is sent to victim.

The victims who have reported this scam, have so far all been UK based.

Protect yourself against dating fraud

Trust your instincts. If you think something feels wrong, it probably is.
Guard your privacy.
Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you don’t know and trust.
Communicate with people locally and not from overseas, although you should be aware that someone might tell you they are in the same country as you when they are not.
Never reply to communications from someone who you meet on a dating site or chat room and then wants continue the communication by email.

To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool.

Nationwide “phishing” e-mail

suffolktradingstandards — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:36:12 +0000

The following e-mail is an example of a typical phishing scam that is being reported to Trading Standards authorities across the UK.

The e-mail purports to be from the banking institution Nationwide, and provides a link that asks you to input your banking details:

————————————————–

The entire purpose of a typical phishing scam email is to get the recipient to provide personal information. If you receive any unsolicited email seemingly from a bank or other institution that asks you to click a link and provide sensitive personal information, then you should view the message with the utmost suspicion. It is highly unlikely that a legitimate institution would request sensitive information in such a way.

What to do if you receive a suspected Phishing Scam email

DO NOT click on any links in the scam email.
DO NOT supply any personal information of any kind as a result of the email
DO NOT reply to the email or attempt to contact the senders in any way.
DO NOT supply any information on the bogus website that may appear in your browser if you have clicked a link in the email.
DO NOT open any attachments that arrive with the email
REPORT the phishing scam (see below).
DELETE the email from your computer as soon as possible.

How to report Phishing e-mails

If you have received a ‘phishing’ email, text, letter or scam communication by any other method and have not lost money or clicked on any website links contained in the message, you can report this online to Action Fraud at Report Attempted Scams or Viruses. This tool will identify the most appropriate email address to forward phishing emails to for disruption, investigation and/or prevention activity.

If you have been a victim of a phishing e-mail, you should contact your financial institute, and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Santander ‘Phishing’ email

Phishing Scams

Recall: Laura Ashley Albany Table Lamp

suffolktradingstandards — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:27:12 +0000

The following notice has been issued by the retailer:

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

PRODUCT RECALL

ALBANY COMPLETE TABLE LAMP


UK Sku: 3534539	UK Transformer plug

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.

No other Laura Ashley table lamps are affected by this notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standards of product safety and quality.

Should you require any further information, please contact Laura Ashley Customer Services on:

Tel:	01686 620730 (open 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 8pm Sunday)
Email:	Product.Recall@lauraashley.com
Fax:	01686 622183

We wish to thank you for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience.

www.lauraashley.com

Infograph of 2012 RAPEX Alerts

suffolktradingstandards — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:53:45 +0000

New World Gas Cooker Recall

suffolktradingstandards — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:45:47 +0000

Do you have one of the following cookers?

New World Vision 50TWLM LPG - Silver (444445698), White (444445697)
New World Vision 50WLM LPG - Silver (444445020), White (444445021)

*Product code numbers in brackets

If not used correctly, these cookers can produce

DANGEROUS LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

Please ring New World immediately on
UK – FREEPHONE 0800 110 5728

Republic of Ireland – FREEPHONE 1800 569 569

9a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
to arrange a FREE modification to remove any risk. There will be NO COST to you whatsoever for the work -

THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER

In the meantime, if you are continuing to use the cooker,
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, OPERATE THE GRILL WITH THE GRILL DOOR CLOSED

The model and product code details are shown on the data badge at the bottom front edge of the appliance.

If you have any doubts or concerns please contact the above number.

Safety Notice: Belling Gas Cookers

suffolktradingstandards — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:37:01 +0000

Belling Safety Notice

• G707
• G708
• G709
• DB60

If the above cookers are installed on combustible flooring they can create A FIRE HAZARD caused by excessive heat transfer from the base of the oven to the surface beneath the cooker.

If you have one of these cookers, please ring us as soon as possible on:

FREEPHONE 0800 093 9945 (Lines are open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday)

Alternatively, please e-mail your name, address, telephone number and/or mobile number together with details of your cooker model number to:
bellinginfo@gdha.com

Belling Gas Cooker Recall

suffolktradingstandards — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:34:05 +0000

Do you have one of the following cookers?

Belling G755 MK2 - White(050531081), Anthracite(050531082)

Belling GT755 - White(444449050)

Belling Country Chef 100G - Anthracite (444445946), Silver (444445945)

*Product code numbers in brackets

If not used correctly, these cookers can produce

DANGEROUS LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

Please ring us immediately on
FREEPHONE 0800 110 5728 9a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
to arrange a FREE modification to remove any risk. There will be NO COST
to you whatsoever for the work -

THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER

In the meantime, if you are continuing to use the cooker,
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, OPERATE THE GRILL WITH THE GRILL DOOR CLOSED

The model and product code details are shown on the data badge at the bottom front edge of the appliance.

If you have any doubts or concerns please contact the above number.

(The cooker model number can be found by looking in the handbook or on the data badge on the rear of the cooker).

Beko, Leisure and Flavel Gas Cooker Recall

suffolktradingstandards — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:10:15 +0000

Particular Beko, Leisure and Flavel cookers with a separate oven and grill can, if they are not operated in accordance with the user instructions, pose a serious risk to your health.

All of the affected models were manufactured prior to January 2009 and carry the logo of either Beko, Leisure or Flavel.

Beko has warned that using the grill on these models with the door closed can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.

Beko	Leisure	Flavel
DCG8511WLPG	CM10NRK	DCGAP5LS
DCG8511PLW	CM10NRC	AP5LDWP
DG581LWP	AL6NDW	AP5LDW
	CM101NRCP	AP5LDSP
	CM101NRKP	Flavel Milano ML5NDS

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IF YOU OWN ONE OF THESE COOKERS

1. FOLLOW THE PRODUCT INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND DO NOT OPERATE THE GRILL WITH THE GRILL DOOR CLOSED

When the grill burner is on, the grill door must always be in the open position. If the grill is operated with the grill door closed, the air supply to the grill burner is restricted which can cause extremely dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to be produced which can pose a very serious risk to health.

2. ARRANGE FOR A FREE SAFETY INSPECTION AND MODIFICATION

If you own or use any of the models shown above, please call Beko on:

UK Free phone 0800 917 2018
Ireland Free phone 1800 25 29 25

Their customer care centre is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

We will then arrange to carry out a free modification to your product to remove any risk

When calling please have your full model number and serial number to hand – these can be found on the rating plate at the bottom front edge of the appliance (see diagram on right).

Charlotte & Chloe Cherry toy recalled from Co-op

suffolktradingstandards — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:35:36 +0000

The following notice has been issued be the retailer:

This morning we have withdrawn from sale all of the “Charlotte and Chloe Cherry” toys available in the Goodness Gang range. We are also recalling all of the “Charlotte and Chloe Cherry” toys to our branches.

We take safety concerns very seriously and after being contacted by a customer about an incident involving the stalks attaching the two parts of the “Charlotte and Chloe Cherry” toy we have acted immediately.

The product complies with EU, America, Australasian and British standards for product safety. However customer concerns are extremely important to us and we have taken immediate action. We’re very sorry for the distress caused.

If you have a “Charlotte & Chloe Cherry” toy you can take it to any of our Food, Forecourt, Optical or Pharmacy stores where you can exchange it for another toy in the Goodness Gang range or receive a refund. You can find your nearest store at the link below.

What happened?

A 4-year old child was playing with the Charlotte and Chloe toy at home and she got the cord attaching the two cherries wrapped around her neck. Her mother was able to disentangle the toy. She was taken to a doctor’s surgery and examined. It has been confirmed that there was no lasting injury to the child.

What should I do with my Goodness Gang “Charlotte and Chloe Cherry”

Take your toy to the nearest participating East of England Co-op store and you can substitute it for any other Goodness Gang character.

I don’t want another character, can I get a refund?

Yes, you can recieve a refund for the “Charlotte and Chloe Cherry” toy.

Where possible please bring your reciept with you.

What about the other Goodness Gang Characters?

At this time we have no reason for concerns regarding the other Goodness Gang Characters.

Mobile Phone Chargers recalled

suffolktradingstandards — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:31:05 +0000

The following three mobile phone chargers have been recalled.

Charger One

Brand: Rb Mobile

Name: Travel Charger for Z320i

Type/number of model: ST-099A10

Description: 3-pin mobile phone travel charger for model Z320i. (not original product).

Packaging consists of a black and white cardboard box showing the brand and a picture of the charger.

The product poses a risk of electric shock and fire because:

The adaptor has not been designed and manufactured to ensure protection against foreseeable hazards. The internal connections rely upon solder to maintain their position. A loose wire could reduce creepage distances and clearances.
The adaptor has inadequately sized pins and excessive force is required to insert and remove the adaptor from a socket. As a result, this could cause mechanical damage to the adaptor and the user may have access to live parts.

In addition, the product is inadequately marked and is not provided with instructions for use.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive, with the relevant European Standard EN 61558 and with the British Standard 1363.

Charger Two:

Brand: Unknown

Name: Mobile

Type/number of model: TC98A

Description: 3-pin mobile phone travel charger for model E530 (not original product). Packaging consists of a black and white cardboard box with the word ‘Mobile’ written on it.

Country of origin: China

The product poses a risk of electric shock and fire because:

The adaptor does not have adequate insulation between the input and output circuits.
The internal connections rely upon solder to maintain their position. A loose wire could reduce creepage distances and clearances.
The adaptor has inadequately sized pins and excessive force is required to insert and remove the adaptor from a socket. As a result, this could damage the socket causing overheating or mechanical damage to the adaptor, and resulting in live parts being exposed to the user.

In addition, the product is inadequately marked and is not provided with instructions for use.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive, with the relevant European Standard EN 61558 and with the British Standard 1363.

Charger Three

Brand: RB Mobile

Name: Unknown

Type/number of model: TC98A

Description: 3-pin mobile phone travel charger for model BENQ-SIES68 (not original product). Packaging consists of a black and white cardboard box showing the brand and a picture of the charger.

Country of origin: China

The product poses a risk of electric shock and fire because:

The adaptor does not have adequate insulation between the input and output circuits.
The internal connections rely upon solder to maintain their position. A loose wire could reduce creepage distances and clearances.

In addition, the product is inadequately marked and is not provided with instructions for use.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive, with the relevant European Standard EN 61558 and with the British Standard 1363.

If you have an affected mobile chargers you should stop using it, and return it to the store where you purchased it from for a full refund.