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Suffolk Students in Loan Scam Scare- February
2012
Students are being warned by Suffolk Trading Standards against a
devious student loan scam currently in circulation.
An email claiming to be from Student Finance England or the
Student Loans Company, asks for personal information, including
bank account details, in exchange for student loan payments. With a
subject heading ‘Urgent Verify Payment Details’, it also asks
people to click on a link that looks like it goes to a secure,
Directgov page.
In reality, this actually diverts people to another website set
up by the people behind the scam who are attempting to steal
usernames and passwords.
Phishing scams are common around the three main student loan
installment payment dates in January, April and September. Trading
Standards are urging students to remain on guard and never to pass
their details on to an unknown source.
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio
Holder for Public Protection said; “Sadly, scammers exploit the
fact that there is naturally an increase in correspondence with
Student Finance England at the start of term.
“We would strongly advise students to remain vigilant, not to
respond to any suspicious emails or follow any of their
instructions and to call Consumer Direct immediately so that
Trading Standards officers can liaise with Student Finance England
to investigate the source.”
A Haverhill resident recently received the fraudulent
student loan email. They said they were lead to believe there was a
problem with their student loan application and if they didn’t
follow the link, they would miss out on their loan.
Student Finance England and the Student Loans Company will:
- Never ask you to update your bank details.
- Never ask you to verify your account details
- Never ask you to click a link always type the address yourself:
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
- Never ask you to answer combinations on the same screen i.e.
Your Customer Reference Number and Password on the same
screen.
- Never provide you with a choice of secret question. We will
only ever ask you the question you gave us.
- Never ask you to update items such as date of birth or provide
your email address password.
Robert Lister, Infozone Advisor at University Campus Suffolk
(UCS) said; “With many applicants receiving offers and thinking
about going to University at this time of year, it is important to
remind people that Student Finance England and the Student Loans
Company never ask for bank details over email.
“Anyone considering applying for funding can seek advice from
staff at the UCS Infozone, who provide step by step guidance and
always use the official Directgov website to apply for loans. We
have communicated the latest information about the current student
loan scam to our students, and will ensure we liaise with Suffolk
Trading Standards if any of our students receive any suspicious
emails.”
It is vital to ensure that a secure web site is used when
submitting credit card details or other sensitive information. It
is often the case that email details have been taken from a social
networking site so it is important to avoid disclosing these
details or ensure it is hidden on your page.
For further help and advice, contact Consumer Direct on 08454
040506
Holiday Scammers on the prowl- January
2012
Officially the most depressing day of the year is fast
approaching and Suffolk Trading Standards is warning people to be
vigilant when booking a sunny holiday to cure their winter
blues.
Trading Standards has recently been made aware of several
incidents involving Suffolk residents being misled by websites
associated with booking holidays abroad and would like to issue a
warning to any sun seekers.
Dubbed by Cardiff University researcher Cliff Arnall as the
gloomiest date this year, residents may be drawn to booking
holidays online this Monday 16 January.
The European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides
reduced cost medical treatment in Europe, is free via the NHS.
However, many unscrupulous websites charge unnecessarily for this
service and often appear as paid adverts at the top of search
engines. These sites will charge an administrative fee to check
applications which can be up to £15 per person.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has taken action against a
number of online traders who deceptively sold consumers EHICs. As a
result of the OFT's investigations, three online traders have
pledged not to engage in deceptive selling practices with a forth
site being suspended.
People purchasing visas to travel outside Europe can also face
unnecessary charges. When travelling to the USA for example, it is
now essential to apply for an ETSA visa, which normally costs $14
from the US Department of Homeland Security. However, Trading
Standards have found sites that offer the ETSA visa for $39 per
application, which is an extra $100 for a family of four.
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio
Holder for Public Protection said; “Due to cold weather, financial
worries and post Christmas blues, many people are understandably
looking ahead to holidays later in the year.
“We would like to urge people not to get caught out, to do their
homework and to check the small print on these websites. If in any
doubt, visit the official NHS website or Consumer Direct to find
unbiased and accurate information.”
For advice on online scams, contact Consumer Direct by visiting
http://www.direct.gov.uk/
or call 08454 040506
Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Underage Sales- January
2012
A Lowestoft shop owner has pleaded guilty to allowing a child to
buy cigarettes from his store.
During a test purchase operation by Suffolk Trading Standards in
June 2011, an employee of Jasvinder Singh Bains, at Premier Stores
in Carlton Colville, sold cigarettes to a young person under the
age of 18.
This was the second time in a four month period that the store
had been caught selling an age restricted product. The same
employee had sold alcohol to an underage volunteer during a similar
operation in February 2011.
At Lowestoft Magistrates Court, Mr Bains pleaded guilty to the
underage sale of tobacco and was ordered to pay a fine and costs
totalling over £600.
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio
Holder for Public Protection said; “It is imperative that we
continue to work closely with local traders to highlight the strict
legislation in this area and to challenge young people where
necessary.
“Retailers must ensure they are doing all they can to prevent
underage sales and fulfil their duties as a responsible trader.
Along with the police, community safety teams and traders
themselves, we will continue to work together to ensure the safety
of young people in the county.”
Trading Standards regularly work with partner agencies to
conduct test purchases across Suffolk. Traders are asked to be
vigilant and ensure they train their staff regularly, operate a
‘Challenge 25 policy’ and always ask for an approved form of ID.
Should traders require any information or an age restricted sales
pack they should contact Trading Standards.
Vicki Snelgrove, Tobacco Control Commissioning Advisor at NHS
Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT said; “We are very pleased to
support Trading Standards in their work. Legislation exists to
protect our communities from tobacco related harm and in funding
this type of operation we are sending out a strong message to the
public.”
Anyone with any information regarding the sale of tobacco or
alcohol to young people under the age of 18 should contact Consumer
Direct anonymously on 08454 040506. Trading Standards will continue
to carry out enforcement action as and when necessary.
Suffolk bakers launch assault on salt - December
2011
Bakers across the county have been working closely with Trading
Standards officers to cut salt levels in freshly baked
bread.
Thirteen bakers in Suffolk have now been issued with Salt Aware
certificates following a series of bread sampling by Suffolk
Trading Standards.
The certificate demonstrates a commitment to meeting the
voluntary salt levels set by the Food Standards Agency for
2012.
During the initial process, Trading Standards carried out a
series of sampling stages and ensured that all types of bread
produced met the relevant targets. Forty samples of locally
baked bread from 27 bakeries were taken across Suffolk and analysed
for salt levels.
In direct response to health-conscious consumers, participating
bakers reviewed the salt content in their bread without
compromising on quality and the processes used.
Recommended dietary salt levels vary with age - adults are meant
to have no more than 6g of salt in their diet per day, while
toddlers should have no more than 2g. The results showed variations
from 0.3g – 1.9g of salt per 100g of bread, with an average of
1.1g. The FSA salt targets are 1.1g for 2010 and 1.0g for 2012.
The bakeries meeting the voluntary targets by producing bread
containing less salt then 1g per 100g of bread are:
• Crofts Bakery, Ipswich
• Finneys Bakery, Needham Market
• Crumbs Bakery, Hadleigh
• Masons Bakery, Lowestoft
• Heli’s Bakery, Lowestoft
• Roys Bake House, Lowestoft
• The Bread Basket, Felixstowe
• Hursts Bakery, Clare
• Five branches of Bushells Bakeries across Lowestoft
Kevin Adams, owner of the Bread Basket in Felixstowe said; “I am
very grateful to have been asked by Trading Standards to enter into
a program of salt reduction in our bread earlier this year. Having
worked together over the past few months we are now able to label
our bread as low in salt and display an eye catching certificate on
our shop floor.
“This enables us to reassure our customers - they can now
purchase our bread with the confidence of knowing that we are
consciously taking their health into consideration in reducing our
salt levels.”
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio
Holder for Public Protection said; “We have worked closely with
local bakeries to protect consumers who may have been eating too
much salt as a result of purchasing fresh loaves of bread sold
without nutritional labeling.
“It is really important for consumers to feel safe in the
knowledge that their local baker is openly displaying the content
of salt in their products. The project has not only improved the
county council’s relationship with local businesses, but also
reminds consumers that although bread is a good source of nutrients
and fibre, it is a large contributor of salt in our diets and we
have to be mindful to purchase products with acceptable levels of
it.”
To read more about reducing salt in bread
click here.
Parents warned over 'bling' baby hazards- December
2011
Suffolk parents are being warned by Trading Standards officers
against buying dangerous ‘bling’ baby accessories which pose a
serious risk to babies and young children.
The ‘bling’ accessories, including dummies, dummy clips, bottles
and feeding bowls, have small parts and are decorated with
hand-glued beads and gems which could result in choking, inhalation
or ingestion.
As a result of a recent consumer complaint, Suffolk Trading
Standards test purchased ‘bling’ baby accessories from various
traders in Suffolk and across other parts of the country. All of
the items failed the tests and were found to breach serious safety
rules.
During the investigation officers were contacted by colleagues
from Northumberland Trading Standards who had also received various
similar complaints. Both teams are now working together to address
the issue and ultimately prevent members of the public from
purchasing these hazardous items.
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder
for Public Protection said; "Baby ‘bling’ accessories are a very
dangerous trend. We would like to encourage anyone in possession of
one of these items or anyone who knows of a trader selling them
locally to contact us immediately.
“It is vitally important that parents and carers check to see
that any baby dummies or bottles comply with the appropriate safety
standards and regulations. Any adhesive labels or decorations are
strictly prohibited from being fixed to these items in any way so
any ‘bling’ accessories seen on sale should immediately ring alarm
bells.”
Identified sellers in Suffolk have been contacted and advised
accordingly. Investigations will continue into the sources of these
products and wherever they are found they will be removed from
sale.
Bogus children’s charity hits Suffolk streets- November
2011
Flyers currently in circulation from a company claiming to help
disabled children have caused concern among residents in the areas
of Beccles, Mildenhall, Brandon, Newmarket and Sudbury.
In recent weeks, Suffolk Trading Standards have received a
number of complaints from consumers who are questioning the
validity of flyers posted through their doors asking for donated
items including clothing, bedding and cosmetics
The company, who go by the name of ‘Sanita & Partner
Limited’, are alleging to be a registered commercial company in
England. However, all limited companies in England, Northern
Ireland and Scotland are registered at Companies House, an
Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills (BIS), and ‘Sanita & Partner Limited’ do not appear on
their website.
The company’s details also fail to appear on the Charity
Commission website, which is in direct breach of the regulations
that Trading Standards enforce. The direct website address for the
company which features on the flyer itself also does not exist.
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio
Holder for Public Protection said; “It is important to remain on
guard when donating items to charities who put flyers through
doors. It is good advice to carry out research to determine exactly
where your items will be going before leaving them outside your
front door
“In the current financial climate, it is imperative that
customers are given all the information required by law to ensure
that they can make an informed decision as to whether to donate or
not. The complaints Trading Standards have received in a short
period of time is an encouraging indication that people in Suffolk
are aware of the existence of bogus companies and are taking the
right action by contacting us.”
Residents with any concerns about donating to charities on their
doorstep should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Anyone
with any further information about Sanita & Partner Limited in
particular should contact Suffolk Constabulary immediately on
101.
NATIONAL CONSUMER WEEK- Good Sports Don't Fake It -
November 2011
Keen sportspeople and armchair enthusiasts alike are being urged to
watch out for fraudsters as Suffolk looks ahead to the London
Olympics and Paralympics 2012.
The drive by Suffolk trading standards is part of the annual
National Consumer Week, which is taking place from 21 to 25
November 2011, and is this year backed by Olympian gold medallist
Tessa Sanderson. The theme of the campaign is Good Sports Don’t
Fake It.
Tessa Sanderson said: “It’s so important to make sure that the
goods we buy online and elsewhere are the real deal. Buying
counterfeit goods is like throwing your money down the drain and
only serves to fund the illegal activities of the criminals behind
the scams.
“It can also lead to huge disappointment in the case of fake
tickets to events like the Olympics – or even injury if we buy
sporting equipment that hasn’t gone through the correct quality
procedures.
“I hope as many people as possible take note of the Trading
Standards Institute’s National Consumer Week and learn how they can
protect themselves against buying counterfeit goods in the
future.”
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio
Holder for Public Protection, said:
“Sport is a fantastic source of enjoyment for many consumers in
Suffolk. Unfortunately though, big games and sporting events
present perfect opportunities for criminals who target passionate
fans keen to see their sporting heroes and buying merchandise.
“Trading Standards officers are working hard to stop fraudsters
having a field day at the expense of our enjoyment. Our key message
to consumers is: if you are not sure, seek advice, and if you think
it’s dodgy, report it.
“People can help us and themselves by using the Trading
Standards Institute ‘CHECK list’ to make sure that they don’t end
up out of pocket, hurt or missing out.”
The Good Sports Don’t Fake It campaign is putting the spotlight
on some of the fakes and scams and is giving consumers a CHECK list
to stay safe:
C Choose your shopping outlets and websites carefully.
H Help yourself. If the deal is too good to be true then
it probably is.
E Ensure you look for authentic branding and holograms
C Contact the authorities if you are concerned
K Keep a copy of your order and receipts
Suffolk’s trading standards service is taking the Good Sports
Don’t Fake It message to their communities by providing promotional
materials to local sports centres and academies where Suffolk’s
future sporting stars are waiting to be discovered.
National Consumer Week will be launched in London on Monday 21
November at the View Tube by the Olympic Park with the support of
athletes Tessa Sanderson, Ben Challenger, LOCOG, Citizens Advice
and UK ECC.
OPERATION TROY
Operation Troy has been a lengthy investigated by Suffolk Trading
Standards and Suffolk Constabulary. In regards to two advance fee
frauds that have netted an estimated £6 million and 15,000 victims
have already been identified.
One of the frauds is an employment scam involving escort
agencies, which offers the chance of high earnings. The victims are
told they are no fees until the first job and that there are
clients waiting.
A few days later, they are asked for registration fees between
£219-£350 but the victim never hears from the company again.
The other fraud involves a debt elimination company cold calling
people and promising to clear their debt. Individuals pay £400-£500
for the service but receive nothing in return.
Below is a list of the companies involved; if you have had any
dealing with any of these companies and would like to raise a
complaint please complete our questionnaires.
Escort Agency
Survey or Debt
Elimination Survey
|
Escort Agencies |
Escort Agencies |
|
Adorabelles |
Beautiful Adults |
|
Candy Escorts |
Companion Fever |
|
Companion Work |
Delightful Stars |
|
EscortOpia |
European Escorts |
|
Evening Encounters |
Graceful Partners |
|
Lovely Liasons |
Manstrokewoman |
|
Model Couples |
Partner You |
|
Holding Hands |
Diamond Companions |
|
Date Angels |
Delightful Companion |
|
Select Media Ltd |
Mayfair Marketing Ltd |
|
Evolution Business Associates Ltd |
Real Promotions Ltd |
|
Marketing and Promotions Ltd |
Anvil Media Ltd |
|
Express Media Ltd |
Direct Media Ltd |
|
Greenway Marketing Ltd |
Blue Media Ltd |
|
Debt Elimination Companies |
Debt Elimination Companies |
|
Park Lane Services |
First Debt Recovery |
|
First Debt Elimination |
Evolution Business Associates Ltd |
Operation Troy Update
We are still looking for people to come forward if they have
been a victim of an escort agency scam or a debt elimination
company.
If you have been a victim of an escort agency scam
complete this
survey or if
you have been a victim of a debt elimination
company complete this
survey.