22nd - 26th April -Operation Rogue Trader week! #roguetrader2013
Rogue trading refers to the practice of deliberately overcharging for unsatisfactory goods and/or services.
This includes charging of unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work unfinished and intimidating behaviour in order to extort money.
If you need something doing try one of our recommended Buy With Confidence traders!
**** If you are not sure - don't open the door! ****
Reports this week include:
Window cleaners knocking on doors in the Woldingham area
Traders offering to jet-wash roofs in both Camberley and Woking areas.
Gentleman knocking on doors in the Godalming area selling aerial photographs
ADVICE: Do not invite them in or offer to buy products at the door as they can be very persuasive! Try using our No Cold Calling Sticker to deter them and to remind yourself to say NO to doorstep callers!
Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.
Moss on your roof? Don't panic!
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors have never recognised the practice of moss removal or roof painting as a true roofing discipline. The reason being, in most instances, moss on roof tiles is rarely a problem and only needs to be removed if it is blocking gutters, outlets and other drainage points on the roof.
Most ‘techniques’ that we have come across to remove moss, are often achieved by ‘violent’ means such as power-washing, which may cause damage to the roof, especially when combined with unnecessary foot traffic often leading to cracked or broken roof tiles.
Holiday Fraud & Airport Parking
Holiday booking fraud is when consumers hand over money only to discover the holiday, accommodation or flight they paid for doesn't exist, or the booking hasn't been made.
Fraudsters are scamming millions each year of victims using fake websites, false advertising, bogus phone calls and phishing emails.
More information can be found in this link http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/sites/default/files/3395%20Holiday%20Fraud_v4.pdf
We would also like your assistance .... have you left your car with a company by the airport and promised it will be securely parked whilst jetting off somewhere only to have your doubts as to where your car was actually left? Did the mileage increase dramatically whilst it was 'parked', was there unexplained damage, parking fines or speeding tickets whilst you were away?
If so please let us know on 08454 04 05 06
Alcohol - Underage sales & Counterfiets
As we mentioned last time we have 2 surveys - both with a chance of winning high street vouchers.
Please take a look as we would really like to hear your views on alcohol and young people.
Survey for under 18s: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/under18salcoholsurvey
Survey for adults: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/surreyalcoholsurvey
If you know a trader that sells alcohol to young people, please let us know on 08454 04 05 06 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Counterfeit Vodka:
We are aware that there is counterfeit alcohol in Surrey some of which may contain unauthorised chemicals.
Please be aware and only buy from respectable sources.
If you are offered cheap or unknown brands of alcohol, particularly SOVIET VODKA & STARLINGRAD VODKA , please let us know by calling 08454 04 05 06
Cancer Curing drugs!
Advertisements for products that claim to 'cure cancer' are illegal!
Please don't be tempted as these claims are bogus and the contents of these products may interfere with other medication.
You can report these adverts to us via 08454 04 05 06
Auctions!
Are you aware of any one day sales or mock auctions in Surrey?
Some may only be advertised the night before and make great claims about the products on offer and state that they only accept cash.
Any intelligence will be gratefully received - just give an advisor a call on 08454 04 05 06
Online Password Security Risk!
(Via Action Fraud)
A recent study by Ofcom has revealed that UK adults are risking their online security by using identical or easy to remember passwords.
According to Ofcom’s Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes Report 2013, 55% of adult internet users admitted they use the same password for most, if not all, websites.
A quarter said they use passwords like birthdays and names which can open them up to the threat of account hacking, with a quarter stating that remembering passwords is too hard.
Online users are being advised that once a fraudster has an important password, they can run up bills and cause considerable financial and personal damage.
Tips for creating a strong password
- Try not to use the same password for more than one account. This will prevent further accounts being taken over if one has been compromised.
- Use complicated passwords: vary the case, use 8 or more characters. Never use personal information such as your date of birth or names.
- Try not to post information on social media such as your birth date, your first pet, or school as these are normally included in security questions to reset your password. Fraudsters may use these answers to access your account via the “Forgot Password” link.
For further information visit Ofcom’s website.
Recalls
Asda Chosen by You Chicken & Mushroom Noodle Pouch, 400g - ‘use by’ dates of 22 and 23 April 2013
The product contains shellfish powder with prawns, which is not declared on the label, and is therefore an Allergy Alert.
Iceland Chicken Shack – Half Chicken Chinese Five Spice 500g - Best before: 20 April 2014 (Should be 20 April 2013)
The wrong BB date has been printed. If you have bought the above product, please do not eat it. Instead, contact Iceland for a full refund.
Castrol 2-Stroke Oil Recall
Castrol is recalling one litre bottles of Castrol oil used in two stroke engines due to water contamination. The contamination in some bottles may be sufficient to cause engine seizure.
These Castrol oils are mainly used in motorcycles or small scooters, but can also be used in other equipment with two stroke engines.
Castrol 2-Stroke Oils Affected By This Recall
The Castrol 2-Stroke Oils affected by this recall have been on sale since the 3rd September 2012. They are:-
Castrol Power 1 Racing 2T - batches 141735, 143802
Castrol Power 1 Scooter 2T - batches 119990, 147997
Castrol Act Evo 2T - batches 126486, 135401, 150755
Screwfix is recalling 2 of their loft ladders because of a problem with the fixing blocks that hold the ladder together.
If you have one of the affected loft ladders you should stop using it immediately.
Screwfix Loft Ladders Affected By This Recall
There are 2 Screwfix Loft Ladders affected by this recall:-
3 Section Loft Ladder - Part number 22949
2 Section Loft Ladder - Part number 58905
Manufactured between August 2011 and June 2012 (Manufactured date on label on side of ladder)
If you have an affected Screwfix Loft Ladder you should return it to your nearest Screwfix Trade Counter where you will be given a full refund.If you need to have the Screwfix Loft Ladder collected then contact Screwfix on 0500 414141
B&Q Loft Ladder Recall
B&Q is recalling some of their loft ladders because of a component failure that makes them unsafe to use.
If you have one of the affected B&Q Loft Ladders stop using it immediately.
B&Q Loft Ladders Affected By This Recall
The B&Q Loft Ladders affected by this recall are:-
Aluminium 3 Section Loft Ladder (barcode 1044294)
Aluminium 2 Section Loft Ladder (barcode 1044287)
Sold between August 2011 and April 2013
If you have one of the affected B&Q Loft Ladders you should stop using it immediately. You can return them to your nearest B&Q store for a full refund.
If you have any questions or concerns about this recall you can contact B&Q on 0800 389 0419.
***
NEWS: A recalled Bosch dishwasher was the cause of a house fire.http://www.itv.com/news/2013-04-22/couple-rescued-from-fire-started-by-faulty-dishwasher/
This surely re-enforces the message of Check It Tuesday - why not at least once a week check product recalls? ***
The Electrical Safety Council is a UK charity dedicated to keeping people safe by reducing the risk of electrical accidents around the home and in the work place. They have created a tool that allows people to quickly check if their electrical items are subject to recall notices.
This is available at www.esc.org.uk/recall
Two great pages to bookmark and refer to are:
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm
http://www.recalluk.com
