Warning about fake UK Border Agency websites and calls

The UK Border Agency are aware of a number of scam e-mails and websites claiming to be sent and operated by them; and of calls made by people posing as their staff.

The scams that they are aware of include:

• Foreign criminals advertising fake UK jobs on the internet. Individuals that apply are told they have a job and are directed to a link to pay for visa and work permit fees. These websites are not operated by the UK Border Agency, and you should not click on any of the links or pay any money.
• Students at a number of UK universities have received calls from individuals who claim they work for the UK Border Agency, giving a false name and a return phone number. These calls are not from the UK Border Agency. The caller may appear to be genuine and convincing and explain that there is a serious problem with your immigration status, and that you need to send a payment as soon as possible to prevent further action including deportation.
• A request for payment of a deposit as proof that you have sufficient funds to support your arrival in the UK until your first salary is received.

The scams which they are aware of have been reported to action fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
If you believe that you received a suspicious call or e-mail, or come across a suspicious website:

• Do not give out any personal information, or confirm that any personal information they have is correct
• Do not make any payment
• Do report the matter online to action fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

You should always access the official UK Border Agency website by typing: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk into your internet browser. Official UK government websites will have a .gov.uk at the end of their website address. When e-mailing, you should also ensure that the e-mail address is genuine. The following example are what you would expect when receiving or sending an email to the UK Border Agency: name.surname@UKBorderAgency.gsi.gov.uk or name.surname@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
Sometimes these exact addresses will appear on the screen, but when you click on the address, a different e-mail address will be selected, so you should also be aware of this.

The UK government will never use free e-mail accounts such as hotmail, yahoomail, or gmail to contact you.
For further information on genuine UK Border Agency visa application fees, please see the Fees for our services page on the UK Border Agency’s website. If you wish to check if letters or emails are genuine, please visit the countries list page on their website and select your country for contact details.

CitizenCard launches the first combined photo ID proof of age and Prepaid Visa card

CitizenCard has launched the first combined photo ID proof of age and Prepaid Visa card, available to 12 year olds and above, within the UK.  The Visa Prepaid CitizenCard will now enable users to prove their identity and age, as well as pay for purchases online and in store, all via one simple card.

The chip and PIN secured card offers those looking for age verification one of the most trusted, safe, secure and easy ways to carry money and pay for items.  The card carries the Government PASS mark (proof of age standard scheme) recognised as valid ID by the Home Office, the Scottish Government, the Police and Trading Standards and is approved by Visa.  The card has been launched by CitizenCard, which has issued over 2 million proof of age cards in the last 13 years.

The card displays the owner’s date of birth, but also an ageband (12-15; 16-17; 18+; and 21+ cards) so it’s easy to prove that users are young or old enough to access age-restricted goods and services.  The actual card number also identifies whether a cardholder is over or under 18, giving it a new added level of security for retailers online, and provides reassurance to parents, with the under-18s card not working at age-restricted retailers, e.g. retailers serving alcohol or providing gambling services.

Under 16s need parental consent to apply for the card – and they can then manage their child’s account directly, providing further peace of mind and safety, whilst enabling more childhood independence and developing positive financial education.  The perfect tool for providing pocket money, parents can set up a standing order to fund a child’s card and because it is easy to top up, parents know that their child can instantly have access to funds in an emergency, whether that’s transport home or if stranded while on a gap year.

For those over 18, Visa Prepaid CitizenCard offers the perfect all-in-one card solution – providing photographic proof of age at retailers and in pubs and clubs, with the card having unrestricted use for online and offline payments.  The card also allows greater financial stringency, helping young people avoid spending more than intended on a shopping trip or night out.

The Visa Prepaid CitizenCard costs a one-off application fee of £15 for delivery within one month or £30 for delivery within one week. For more details visit www.citizencard.com

Ten Top Tips – Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep

Loan Shark vicitim pays back £90K on £250 loan

A man who was bullied into paying back ten of thousands of pounds to an illegal money lender has been recognised with a national award.

The man, who cannot be named, borrowed £250 from a friend to buy a car but over the next 17 years ended up paying him £90,000 for the favour.

He was threatened and attacked in front of his family by the loan shark and suffered a heart attack. He also lost his house and his job

Yesterday, the man received the Trading Standards Institute’s Hero Award after reporting the loan shark to the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT). The money lender was prosecuted and sent to jail for eight months.

Head of IMLT Tony Quigley said: “It took all of this man’s courage to come forward and report the lender. This was a massive help to the England Illegal Money Lending Tea

“He has done everything he can to warn other people about the perils of borrowing from illegal money lenders.”

The victim said: “I was always stressed. I was doing two jobs just to get the money to pay him.

“Everything was as a result of the loan shark – it wasn’t a life. When I was retired due to ill-health, I was given a lump sum of £8,000 – I gave him the majority of it, but I still owed him £90,000.

“I’m really glad I reported the loan shark – I should have done it 15 years ago. When he was imprisoned for it I knew it was all over.”

He is now an ambassador for IMLT and has documented his experience in a film.

‘Scampaign’ Kicks off with Doorstep Sales

UNSCRUPULOUS doorstep sellers are under the spotlight this month as Trading Standards begins its six month long ‘Scampaign’.

Doorstep sales are an increasingly common way for scammers to prey on vulnerable people and Trading Standards are determined to raise awareness through their 2012 campaign.

The county-wide crackdown on rogue traders and cold callers was launched earlier this month to examine the huge range of scams that Suffolk people are continually exposed to.

Each month will focus on a different issue, including telephone sales, E- crime and ticketing scams.

Along with trained and experienced Trading Standards officers, a new cohort of ‘Consumer Champions’ will be offering invaluable advice and guidance to help protect vulnerable members of the community.

This month, Consumer Champion Rhoda Staleyis offering advice and guidance on doorstep sales:

 

• Don’t be scared to say ‘no’ to a doorstep caller – there is no problem with being over cautious
• Never agree to work on your home on the spot, seek advice before agreeing to anything.
• Remember that doorstep callers can come in all shapes and sizes – they can men, women, pairs and have children with them
• Don’t be taken in by illegal pressure selling tactics, such as refusing to leave, repeatedly calling or claiming they’ll lose their job if you don’t agree to the work
• Check on your elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours regularly if you suspect doorstep callers are operating in your area

 

Rhoda has been a Consumer Champion for over a year now. She said; “I feel so strongly about playing my part during the Scampaign as I had my own personal experience with a doorstep caller. As a result of getting drawn into the scam, I had a traumatic time going through the court to get some of my money back. I would hate this to happen to others, so I’m doing what I can to help.

 

“It is so important that we do all we can to educate and empower Suffolk people to identify the early warning signs and feel they have the confidence to say ‘no’ to  deceitful doorstep sellers.”

 

Next month, Trading Standards and their Consumer Champions will focus on ticketing scams. Consumers are often caught out buying tickets for gigs that haven’t gone on sale yet, or have been sold out for weeks.The tickets either turn out to be fake or do not arrive at all.Calls to the company often go unanswered or divert to a different number and consumers are left out of pocket and disappointed.

 

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‘Scampaign’ launched to protect Suffolk people

A crackdown on rogue traders and cold callers is being launched as part of Suffolk Trading Standards’ six month long ‘Scampaign’.

Coinciding with Scams Awareness Month 2012, Trading Standards will use this unique campaign to examine the huge range of scams that Suffolk people are continually exposed to.

Each month will focus on a different issue, including doorstep selling, E- crime and ticketing scams.

Along with trained and experienced Trading Standards officers, a cohort of ‘Consumer Champions’ will be offering invaluable advice and guidance to help protect vulnerable members of the community.

Consumer Champions are volunteers that act as a bridge between Trading Standards and the local community. They make it easier for people to access information about consumer protection and to build resilience against rogue traders and scams.

Using the latest social media technology, from Facebook to Twitter, the county’s 152 champions are the first line of defence when it comes to keepingSuffolka rogue free zone.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “Targets of scams, often the elderly or vulnerable, can find themselves on the receiving end of wave after wave of letters, emails, phone calls and visits to their doorstep.

“This is simply unacceptable and something we need to tackle head on in our county. We want to come away from our ‘Scampaign’ feeling we have educated and empowered Suffolk people to identify the warning signs and have the confidence to say ‘no’ to these unscrupulous scammers.”

Beaded Bracelet Product Recall Warning

Suffolk Trading Standards are working with Rainstick Trading Ltd in Saxmundham in regards to a product they are recalling from the market.

The product is a red and black beaded bracelet, as shown above. Rainstick Trading are recalling these bracelets, made from the seeds of the Abrus Precatorius plant, because the seeds could be potentially dangerous if swallowed or came into contact with broken skin.

The majority of these bracelets were sold to the Eden Project inCornwall, but they have also been supplied to other retailers. If you have bought one of these bracelets, stop wearing it immediately and return it to the retailer, who should issue you with a refund.  If you are concerned please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Amber Teething Necklaces/Bracelets/Anklets Safety Notice

Suffolk Trading Standards has been made aware of Baltic Amber Teething products, including necklaces, bracelets and anklets, designed and marketed for children under 36 months.

They consist of amber beads which are fossilised tree resin and range in colour from yellow to white and beige to brown.

Suppliers claim that when worn close to the skin, succinic acid will be released by the amber beads to relieve the symptoms of teething.

Some of these items on the UK market have been subjected to safety testing in the UK and have failed.  This is due to the possibility of:

• small parts becoming detached and ingested,
• the actual item itself, as a whole, becoming a chocking  and strangulation hazard, and,
• issues surrounding the clasps used, for example magnets which have a magnetic flux index over the permitted levels which may cause damage by sticking together inside the body if ingested.

As an example, one of the tests items has been examined against and failed, was the test for small parts under the Toy Safety Standard BS EN 71.  This seeks to prevent injuries to children under 36 months from choking, inhaling or swallowing small objects via the mouth.  The test involves placing the object into a specially designed test cylinder that is replicated to the size of the throat of a child under 36 months.  If the item fits into the cylinder, it fails.

A Suffolk supplier is currently conducting a voluntary recall on the products sold due to the safety concerns and the lack of evidence to show these items meet safety requirements.  These items originated from Lithuania and the manufacturer has not been able to provide testing information to state the items are safe.

In our view these items pose a serious risk to children.  Our advice would be to find alternatives measures to sooth the pain of teething which Health Professionals should be able to assist parents with.

Photos can be found at: http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/emergency-and-safety/community-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/product-recall-and-safety-notices/

Suffolk cracks down on illegal tobacco

A new campaign has been launched to prevent children being targeted for sales of illegal tobacco.

Illegal tobacco, which comes in the form of smuggled or counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco, is sold at around half the price of legal tobacco and can have a devastating effect on local communities.
Studies suggest that young people may be up to four times more price sensitive than adults, making them a particular target. Access to cut-price tobacco makes it easier for children to smoke and can bring them into contact with criminals.
According to new research, almost a third of people in Suffolk have been offered illegal tobacco (28%) and 14% admit to buying it.
The month-long campaign sees Suffolk County Council working alongside Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), NHS, East of England Trading Standards Association and other local councils to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal tobacco in our area.

Councillor Colin Spence, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said;
“People don’t necessarily understand the consequences of purchasing illegal tobacco, and we want to help them understand how their actions might be impacting on their own neighbourhoods. While the cheaper price may be appealing, the consequences can be grave, especially for young people.
“It is a scary fact that illegal tobacco also goes hand in hand with the sale of drugs and alcohol, with child exploitation and money laundering. This is something we want to prevent at all costs, which is why this campaign is so important.”

Local campaigners, including Smokefree East of England and Suffolk Trading Standards will be taking to the streets in Ipswich and Lowestoft this month to promote this important message in the local community.
Children’s centres, NHS stop smoking services and other participating groups across the county are also campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal tobacco with those they come into contact with on a day-to-day basis.

Elspeth Gibson, Chair of the Suffolk Tobacco Control Alliance;
“The criminal gangs that sell smuggled cigarettes are not concerned with who buys them, and do not care who they sell to.
“Unfortunately this often includes children and young people who are under age. As well as causing criminals to prey upon our children, purchasing illegal tobacco brings other crime to our communities and undermines legitimate businesses.”

The campaign is asking members of the community to:
TALK: Help stop the flow of illegal tobacco by telling friends and family about the issue
PLEDGE: To support the campaign against illegal tobacco
REPORT: To share any information about illegal tobacco in the area by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
People can find out more and pledge their support by visiting the campaign website at http://www.no-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

Vital advice on petrol storage

AS PEOPLE in Suffolk consider how to respond to the potential fuel strike, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Trading Standards have issued a joint safety message on the dangers of storing petrol at home.

Whilst any industrial action will not have an effect on frontline services, the county council is urging Suffolk residents to remain aware of the serious fire risks that surround the storage of fuels in domestic premises.

Petrol can be kept in a domestic garage or outbuilding, but there are restrictions on the amount that can be stored. Only the following combinations of two approved* containers are permitted:

• One suitable 10 litre metal container and one 5 litre approved plastic containers (totalling 15 litres), or
• Two 5 litre approved plastic containers (note only 10 litres can be kept, if 2 plastic containers are used)

The containers used must be robust, marked with their contents and have tight fitting lids to prevent leakage of liquid or vapour. They must also be stored securely – ideally they should be locked up and kept away from any combustible material. Under no circumstances should petrol be stored in the home.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “We strongly advise against the bulk buying and storage of petrol. It is an incredibly dangerous substance which should never be kept in the home – it is not worth the risk to you, your family and your loved ones. It is also against the law.

“There are regulations about how and where it is kept, and we would advise people to take note of these. Petrol vapour is largely invisible and leakages can travel significant distances to find a source of ignition. We are advising people to conserve current fuel stocks by avoiding unnecessary journeys.”

* – If plastic, containers must comply with Petroleum Spirit container regulations established in 1982: Statutory Instrument 1982/630 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1982/630/contents/made