All the scams to watch out for in Norfolk in December 2023

Household products

Trading Standards is warning people in Norwich to be on their guard after reports of young men trying to sell household products in Lakenham. This type of cold caller will often claim to be an ex-offender and say that the work is part of their 'improvement' or to 'earn a reference'. They may carry large bags containing a range of household products including packaged kitchen knives, scissors, dusters, tea towels and cleaning products.

Gardening and housework

Reports of doorstep cold callers offering tree and garden work have been received by Trading Standards in Norfolk.

A man cold called at a property in the Swaffham area offering to undertake garden work for GBP250. After the resident agreed, he returned to the property the next day demanding a further GBP500 for the work which the resident refused to pay. Cold callers in Sprowston have also claimed to see loose ridge tiles on the roofs of homes in the area.

In one reported incident, the caller went on to point out other issues he claimed needed repair and stated he could start work the following morning.

Chocolate bars

The Food Standards Agency has warned that fake-branded chocolate bars may be unsafe to eat. Consumers should be aware of this as the bars could be made or repackaged by unregistered businesses or criminals who will not be following hygiene, labelling and traceability laws. Last year, fake Wonka Bars were removed from sale after being found to contain allergens that weren't listed on the label.

Fake Prime-branded chocolate bars are currently in circulation, although there are no Prime-branded foods.

Fake police officers

Norfolk Police issued a warning after reports that scammers posing as officers have been targeting people across the county. Multiple victims in Norfolk including in Breckland and South Norfolk have been targeted by fraudsters pretending to be detectives.[2] People receiving these calls are told that their bank cards have been cloned and money has been taken from their accounts in an attempt to steal the information themselves.

Stopping cold calls

Trading Standards in Norfolk has warned of telephone calls stating they can help stop telephone cold calls.

There are several companies who claim to be able to offer this service and some charge one-off fees or ongoing monthly fees.

It is very unlikely that any of these companies can stop cold calls even after payments are made.

References

1. ^ Woman left shaken after van thieves target rural homes in door-to-door spree (www.edp24.co.uk)
2. ^ have been targeted by fraudsters pretending to be detectives. (www.edp24.co.uk)