Business scam alerts
You can report scams through our partners the Citizens Advice helpline online via their website or by calling 0808 223 1133 (freephone). You can also report scams to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office, using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.
- Follow us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter
- Business Companion has advice on how to spot and avoid scams targeting businesses
- The Food Standards Agency lists the latest food safety alerts here
News Alert - Free electric blanket safety testing events being held in Norfolk - 10 February 2025
We are holding a series of free electric blanket safety testing events across Norfolk from 10 to 13 March.
Bring your blanket - or that of your family member, friend or neighbour, along to one of these events at libraries across the county to be tested free of charge.
You will also get the chance to speak to our friendly staff from Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service about product safety, fire safety in the home and how best to protect you and your loved ones from scams.
Monday 10 March
- 10.30am - 12.30pm Cromer Library
- 2.30pm - 4.30pm Gorleston Library
Tuesday 11 March
- 10am-noon Thetford Library
- 2-4pm Wymondham Library
Wednesday 12 March
- 10am-noon Hunstanton Library
- 2-4pm Dereham Library
Thursday 13 March
- 10am-noon Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library (The Forum)
- 2-4pm Diss Library
You can also find more information on Electric Blanket safety on our website
News Alert - Gatherings of Poultry banned in England - 10 February 2025
In response to the number of detections of Avian Influenza in kept and wild birds, gatherings of poultry (including ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl), are banned in England from noon on Monday 10 February 2025.
Gatherings of all other types of birds are permitted provided they:
- follow and meet all the requirements of the captive bird gathering general licence
- notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the gathering at least 7 days before the event
- are not in a disease control zone
Pigeon racing from Northern Ireland and the EU also needs to comply with the EU regulations for the export of captive birds.
Scam Alert - Invoice Scams and Mandate Fraud - 6 February 2025
We are warning businesses in Norfolk to continue to be aware of the threat that Invoice Scams and Mandate Fraud pose.
Fake invoice scams typically work by fraudsters pretending to be a supplier and contacting the business to say that the account details that an invoice needs to be paid to have changed. Innocently, an employee amends the account details only for the organisation to later find out that they have been sending money to a fraudster rather than a genuine supplier. The more detail a fraudster has about an organisation, the easier it is to pose as a supplier and make the scam convincing.
Although the scam could work on businesses of any size, smaller businesses are most at risk and may find it harder to recover from losing large amounts of money.
Mandate fraud is when fraudsters try to get a business to change a direct debit, standing order or bank transfer mandate, by purporting to be an organisation you make regular payments to, for example a subscription or membership organisation or a supplier to your business.
Action Fraud offer the following advice for businesses to protect themselves from these types of fraud:
- Ensure all staff, not just finance teams, know about Invoice Scams and Mandate Fraud
- Never respond to the contact details provided by someone requesting changes to financial details. Instead, use established email and telephone contacts to check that any request has come from the genuine supplier or organisation
- Always review invoices to check for inconsistencies/errors, such as a misspelt company name
- Where possible establish at least two specific points of contact with suppliers so that all invoice changes can be confirmed with both contacts
- Contact suppliers for payment of larger invoices in advance of making payment to ensure that payment is made to the correct bank account
- Consider what information is publicly available about your business and whether it needs to be public
- Never leave invoices unattended in the office or on a desk
- Ensure your computer systems are secure and that antivirus software is up to date.
Any attempts at Invoice Scams or Mandate Fraud can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a further premises in Norfolk - 31 January 2025
Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed and controls put in place at a premises near Loddon, South Norfolk, Norfolk.
Full details of the locations and controls put in place for Avian Influenza in the declaratory order online on the GOV.UK website.
We continue to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Rogue Trader Alert - Cold Callers offering to lay tarmac - 28 January 2025
We are warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving reports of cold callers offering to lay tarmac.
This follows a recent incident where a male was reported to be approaching businesses in the Aylsham area offering to tarmac driveways and parking areas. The male was claiming that the tarmac was 'spare' from 'a job nearby'
The male was seen to be using a white Volvo tipper lorry.
It is possible these cold callers could repeat this approach at other businesses, especially in rural areas.
Anyone sighting these cold callers in Norfolk or concerned about Rogue Trader activity please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Constabulary via 101.
If you feel threatened by a cold caller call 999 immediately
Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. To search our directory and read feedback from their customers visit the Norfolk Trusted Trader website
Scam Alert - Letters claiming to be from Companies House - 24 January 2025
We are highlighting a warning from Companies House who have received reports of letters being sent to businesses requiring payment for 'publishing your company's legal information on the public database of Companies House Register (COHOREG)'.
Examples of these scam letters have included:
- QR Codes
- Links to webpages
- Bank details for payment
Some letters have instructed recipients to visit a website others present as an invoice demanding payment.
Companies House advise if you receive this or a similar letter:
- Do not follow any instructions in the letter
- Do not visit any web pages or QR code links
- Do not pay any money to the sender
- Contact Companies House immediately on 0303 1234 500
News Alert - Guidance for businesses ahead of the ban on single use vapes - 21 January 2025
From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses to sell, offer to sell or have in their possession for sale all single-use or 'disposable' vapes.
Government has supplied businesses with guidance on how to prepare for the ban which sets out the details on the definition of single-use vapes, as well as information about penalties retailers could face for continuing to sell disposables after the June 1 ban on their sale comes into force.
To prepare for the ban, businesses should:
- Stop buying new stock of single-use vapes
- Sell through all existing stock
- Buy vapes that follow the new regulations
From 1 June 2025, if you possess any leftover single-use vaping products, businesses will need to:
- Separate them from other goods
- Label them as unsellable
- Remove them from your shopfloor or online store until they've been collected by a registered vape recycling service
Further advice and guidance for businesses is available on the GOV.UK website
Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at two further premises in Norfolk in the last week - 27 December 2024
Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed and controls put in place at a premises near Attleborough, Breckland and at a premises near Hingham, South Norfolk.
Find full details of the locations and controls put in place in the declaratory order for each premises online on the GOV.UK website.
We continue to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
News Alert - Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Mandatory Biosecurity and Housing Measures - 23 December 2024
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire and City of Kingston upon Hull are introduced from noon on 23 December 2024, following a decision by the United Kingdom's Chief Veterinary Officer.
The housing order legally requires all bird keepers in these areas to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their birds from the disease.
The housing measure means bird keepers in the affected area must:
- House all poultry and captive birds (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds)
- Keep feed and bedding inside
- Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds - if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products
- Carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept
- Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis
- Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- Make your premises unattractive to wild birds (e.g. use bird scarers, foils or streamers)
Bird keepers are advised to consult the APHA interactive map to check if they are impacted and should then read the regional avian influenza prevention zone (East of England) - with housing measures declaration on the GOV.UK website which sets out the requirements.
Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at five further premises in Norfolk in the last week - 18 December 2024
Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed and controls put in place at a premises near Cranworth, two premises near Attleborough, a premises near Gayton and a further premises near Watton, Norfolk.
Full details of the locations and controls put in place can be found in the declaratory order for each premises online on the GOV.UK website
We continue to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
News Alert - Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared across East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk - 13 December 2024
Following a number of detections of avian influenza in poultry and wild birds across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has declared a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the region to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.
This means that from Friday 13 December it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size, in addition to following any Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone restrictions that apply.
The AIPZ now in force does not include a requirement to house birds, unless you are also in a 3km Protection Zone. However, this is being kept under constant review.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) means bird keepers in the zone must:
- Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds- if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products
- Carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept
- Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- Prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas
Scam Alert - Scam contacts claiming to be from HMRC - 12 December 2024
With millions of people due to complete their Self-Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2025, fraudsters are targeting people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to get hold of personal information and banking details.
Around half of all scam reports to HMRC (71,832) in the last year were fake tax rebate claims.
There has been a 16.7% increase in all scam referrals to HMRC - 144,298 were received between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 in the previous 12-month period
If you receive communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for personal information or is offering a tax rebate, check the phishing and scams advice on GOV.UK website
Also remember, HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest or ask for personal or financial information over text message - only fraudsters and criminals will do that.
You can report suspicious communications received that you think could be a scam to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133
Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at two further premises in Norfolk - 11 December 2024
Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in a commercial poultry at a premises near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk and a second commercial poultry premises near Watton, Breckland, Norfolk.
3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory orders which are available on the GOV.UK website.
We continue to work with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
Information Alert - Avian Influenza confirmed, and controls put in place at a premises near Watton, Norfolk - 6 December 2024
Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Watton, Breckland, Norfolk
A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Details of the controls in place can be found in the declaratory order which is available on the GOV.UK website.
We will be working with our colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency to support local businesses and minimise the risk of the outbreak spreading.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
If you need advice on housing your birds, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
Scam Alert - Fake Christmas Craft Fair Adverts - 26 September 2024
We are warning small businesses and crafters about fake Craft Fair adverts which are appearing on Facebook community groups ahead of the Christmas Fair season.
The posts advertise a fictional craft fayre, fair or similar event which claims to be held at a local hall. The organiser calls out for stall holders to sign up and pay a sum of money to them. In reality there is no event and the fraudster is hoping people will send them a stall holders' pitch fee.
Our advice is to do your homework before booking into any events and make sure the person advertising such events is a genuine organiser. Call the venue first and double-check the event before parting with any money.
Other red flags to look out for are:
- The venue not tagged into posts
- Requests people to send a private message
- Requests a 'friends and family' payment via PayPal
- No event advertised on the venue's page
If you spot an advert on social media and think it may be a scam, report it to the admin of the page that you see them on so that they can be removed straight away.
Information Alert - Bluetongue virus update - 23 September 2024
Following the identification of further bluetongue BTV-3 cases close to the edge of the Restricted Zones (RZs), the RZ has now been extended. The new RZ now covers all of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey and West Sussex.
Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants must remain vigilant, report any suspicion of bluetongue immediately and follow the restrictions on animal and germinal product movements that apply. Animals must only be moved where it's absolutely necessary.
An interactive map showing the current Restricted Zone is available on the APHA website.
Information Alert - Bluetongue virus update- 2 September 2024
Further cases of Bluetongue BTV3 have been confirmed in Norfolk and Suffolk in both sheep and cattle.
Due to evidence of local transmission, the existing Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been revoked and a Restricted Zone has been put in place around the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants must remain vigilant and follow the restrictions on animal and germinal product movements that apply
An interactive map showing the current Restricted Zone is available on the APHA website
Information Alert - Bluetongue virus cases confirmed - 29 August 2024
Two cases of Bluetongue (BTV3) have been confirmed in Norfolk, the first at a premises near Haddiscoe, the second at a premises near Wymondham.
There has also been a been a confirmed case in Suffolk.
20km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place. Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants must remain vigilant and follow the restrictions on animal and germinal product movements that now apply in the zone.
Farmers are reminded that free testing is available for animals susceptible to bluetongue. Call 0800 612 5289 or email admin@ukfarmcare.com to book.
An interactive map showing the current temporary control zones is available from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Visit the APHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map.
Further news, information and guidance for livestock keepers, including how to spot and report the disease is available on the GOV.UK website: Visit Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers on GOV.UK
Scam Alert - Online directory listing cold calls and invoices - 23 August 2024
We are warning businesses to be aware of telephone cold calls and unexpected invoices by email requesting payment to 'maintain' online directory listings.
If you receive this type of call or an invoice demanding payment for unknown services, our advice is do not give or confirm any information or make any payment unless you have agreed to the listing and to always check all demands for payments carefully.
Where agreements have been made but you feel that you have been misled over the terms of the advertising and you require further advice, please contact us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133
Cold Calling Alert - Telephone cold caller offering advertising in 'Your Norfolk' magazine - 4 July 2024
We are warning Norfolk business about telephone cold calls which claim to be offering advertising space within 'Your Norfolk' magazine.
This follows a report from a business who initially received a cold call which was then followed up by email information.
We would like to make all businesses aware that:
- these cold calls are not connected with Norfolk County Council in any way or with the Norfolk County Council produced Your Norfolk Magazine, which is distributed twice a year free of charge to households in Norfolk
- Norfolk County Council do not sell advertising space within their Your Norfolk magazine
- Norfolk County Council have never authorised any businesses to sell advertising space within their Your Norfolk magazine on their behalf
Our advice is never agree to purchase advertising, or to receive further information if approached in this manner. We would also remind businesses to check all demands for payments carefully.
If you are approached by this cold caller or where agreements have been made but you feel that you have been misled over the terms of the advertising and you require further advice contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 113
Rogue Trader Alert - Doorstep Cold Callers offering to lay gravel - 5 June 2024
We are warning businesses to be on their guard after received reports of cold callers offering to lay gravel in the Hethersett area.
In the incident, two men who offered to lay gravel they claimed was 'left over' from 'a job nearby'.
Often, when this approach is used, the cold caller will quote an initial price for the work, but once work has commenced the price will increase dramatically
The two men were seen to be using a white Ford Transit tipper.
We always advise:
- Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your business
- Never agree to have work done by somebody who is 'just passing' or take their word that it needs to be done at all
- Never allow a cold caller access to your property, roof or site even if they are offering to do tasks for free or a small fee
- Never pay for work before it is completed
- When looking to have work done on or around your property only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from before commencing the work.
It is possible these doorstep cold callers could move on to other areas around Norfolk and could also approach residential properties especially in rural areas.
Anyone sighting these cold callers in Norfolk or concerned about Rogue Trader activity in your community please contact us through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Norfolk Police via 101.
If you feel intimidated or are concerned for vulnerable neighbours call 999.
Looking for a Trader you can Trust? We know just the people. Check out the Norfolk Trusted Trader directory to see our Trading Standards approved members and read feedback from their customers