National Consumer Week 03/11/2014

Cumbria is stepping up the fight against doorstep crime following a year in which Trading Standards Officers responded to more than 200 incidents in the county, but with the problem vastly under-reported it is believed there could be thousands of cases across Cumbria each year.

To combat doorstep criminals, drop-in sessions are being held and information distributed around the county to highlight the message ‘Good Neighbours Stop Rogue Traders’ as part of National Consumer Week (3-7 November).

Doorstep criminals often target the most vulnerable members of our communities – the elderly, people with disabilities and those who live alone - so this campaign is about preventing doorstep crime by encouraging neighbours, family, friends and carers to look out for those most at risk.

National Consumer Week is co-ordinated by the Trading Standards Institute and delivered in Cumbria by the County Council’s Trading Standards Service and partner agencies including the Police and Age UK.

Publicity materials including information cards and posters are being delivered by neighbourhood policing teams and council and fire service employees when they are out and about in the communities they serve.

Public drop-in sessions – where people can find out more about rogue traders and how to protect themselves and their neighbours – are taking place at the following times and places:

Wednesday 5 November 10am-4pm, Citizens Advice Bureau, Whitehaven

Thursday 6 November 10am-4pm, Carlisle Library

Thursday 6 November 10am-4pm, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow

If you suspect doorstep crime in your area contact Cumbria Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

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Beware Of Cold Callers

Following the severe weather yesterday, Cumbria Trading Standards are warning householders whose properties have been affected by storm damage to be on their guard against cold callers offering to carry out emergency remedial work.  The Service reinforces previous messages that people should use extreme caution when approached by any cold callers offering to conduct work on your property. These types of callers often use persuasive tactics to get people to agree to having work carried out and then charge more than was quoted for poor quality work or poor quality goods.
 Any householder who is having difficulty in finding a reputable tradesman should visit the Approved Trading Standards Service 'Buy With Confidence' Scheme on http://buywithconfidence.gov.uk/sitepages/bwchome.aspx.  Each member of Buy With Confidence has been individually vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure they operate in an honest way and in compliance with consumer protection laws.
 If you are approached by any cold callers or have any information about suspicious activity, please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or contact Cumbria Police on 101.  Please look out for those who are vulnerable within your neighbourhoods and family.  Your actions could help protect others.
 For general advice on consumer issues visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

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Cumbria Fire Service information about smoke alarms

Message from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and Cumbria Trading Standards
 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CF&RS) have been providing homeowners with free smoke alarms as part of their prevention work for over a decade. The alarms provided have about a 10 year battery life. Once the battery that is within the alarm has come to the end of its working duration the alarm will beep intermittently to alert you to change the battery.
CF&RS have been issuing ‘Fire Angel’ smoke alarms since 2007. These Fire Angel alarms have a battery encased within the alarm that cannot be accessed or changed by the homeowner. Once this type of alarm starts to beep the whole alarm will need to be replaced.

A small percentage of these alarms may show signs that the battery life has come to an end and the alarm starts to beep before the 10 year battery life has ended. If this fault occurs please contact the manufacturer directly on 0800 141 2561 to receive a replacement alarm free of charge within 48 hours. If you experience any problems in gaining a new alarm please contact CF&RS on our Freephone number 0800 358 4777.
For advice and information on our new Home Safety Visit Assessments please visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk and follow the link at Home Safety Visit Assessment
For advice on product safety please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Buying a used car? Check it, don't regret it!

Electric Blanket Safety Testing

Police and partners on the streets to catch rogue traders

As part of a UK wide day of action, Cumbria Police along with Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards have been out in force targeting rogue traders and pushy doorstep sellers.

On Wednesday 24^th April 2013 officers from the Cumbria Community Policing Unit, and Trading Standards were out in force across Cumbria tackling the problem of rogue traders and warning people about the dangers of consenting to having work carried out by cold callers.

Rogue trading involves the practice of cold calling and can lead to consumers being deliberately overcharged for unsatisfactory goods and services, unnecessary work being carried out or work being left unfinished once money has been handed over. They can also use aggressive and intimidating tactics to pressure the homeowner, who are often vulnerable adults, into handing money over. 

Distraction burglars will target vulnerable people by cold calling at their home and then pressuring the person to allow them access inside, where they will proceed to steal cash or valuables.

Police and Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards work closely throughout the year to alert residents to the potential risks of buying goods or services at the door and take robust enforcement action against any doorstep traders who deliberately target older or more vulnerable residents.

In the last 12 months Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards has received around 300 reports of cold calling or rogue trader activity. On-going early interventions by the Trading Standards rapid response initiative has saved residents in Cumbria over £100,000.

During the national day of action, officers were out on the streets executing warrants, identifying vehicles used by criminals through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and conducting intelligence-led patrols in areas where older or vulnerable people live.

Hundreds of leaflets were delivered to homes across Cumbria giving advice about rogue traders and checks were carried out on builders’ vans, paperwork, and operating methods.

Sergeant Richard Farnworth, from West Community Policing Unit, said “These criminals prey on the most vulnerable people in society. They use high pressured techniques to gain entry to their homes, conning them in undertaking work that is not necessary or required.

“We do want to stress that not all cold callers are criminals. Those who are there for legitimate purposes will be willing to show you identification, provide you with contact details of their business and should not pressurise you into trying to get into your home.

“Speak to friends and family about reputable companies, they will be able to advise on who they would recommend.

“Our aim is to help protect vulnerable members of our communities and ensure that they have the confidence to say no and shut the door.”

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Service manager, said “This operation is designed to catch offenders and disrupt their activity but will hopefully raise awareness of doorstep crime. At this time of year, as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer we generally see an increase in cold calling and rogue traders. Many of these traders are not offering the required seven day cooling-off period and they often do a very poor job or charge extortionate amounts of money for very little work.

“No-one should feel pressured to buy goods or services at the doorstep, always obtain three quotes from reputable businesses. We hope this initiative will encourage residents to come forward and tell us about any suspicious cold calling activity to help protect the more vulnerable in our communities."

Cumbria Trading Standards and Cumbria Police always provide the following advice:

· Not sure? Don't open the door.

· Call a neighbour, family member or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them

· Look out for those who are vulnerable within your neighbourhood and family

· Consider joining the Trading Standards Nominated Neighbour Scheme

· Report suspicious activity to Trading Standards or the Police

· For help finding a reliable local trader check out the Trading Standards service 'Buy with Confidence' scheme on www.buywithconfidence.co.uk

If you wish to make a complaint about a trader or report illegal doorstep activities please report the matter to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or the Police on 101.

Alternatively if you have any information about any person(s) who have committed such crimes or details of vehicles they use please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Your call is free and is completely anonymous. They are an independent charity that respects your anonymity and not part of Trading Standards or the Police.

Remember, remember - don`t fool with fireworks

Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards and Fire and Rescue Services have once again joined forces with Cumbria Police in the lead up to the firework sales period to remind retailers to be vigilant and ensure that fireworks are not sold to anyone under the age of 18.
 
Bonfire night is fast approaching, and whilst it’s a time for fun and enjoyment, the firework season can often encourage incidents of anti social behaviour which can cause concern in many neighbourhoods. Fireworks will go on sale from this week (w/c 15 October).

The partnership is also taking this opportunity to remind young people of the serious consequences of firework misuse. Posters designed by schoolchildren in Carlisle will reinforce the safety message 'Don't fool with fireworks'.

Police officers can hand out on the spot fines to anyone throwing or setting off fireworks in a street or public place or anyone under 18 found to be in possession of fireworks in public.

Angela Jones, Trading Standards Service Manager said "Our aim is provide a safe environment in which the people of Cumbria can enjoy Bonfire Night and the period leading up to it.

"Officers from our team will be carrying out routine inspections and underage sales test purchase operations and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure fireworks retailers act responsibly and think "safety" when storing and selling fireworks.”

Chief Superintendent Don Spiller is Cumbria Constabulary’s lead on anti-social behaviour issues in the county, he said “The majority of people - young and old - celebrate the bonfire season safely with family and friends. However, there are always a few individuals who cause us concern by either misusing fireworks or attempting to buy them underage.

“Disorderly behaviour traditionally rises at this time of year so we are working proactively with partners to stop trouble before it starts. In addition to laying on extra high visibility patrols, we are working closely with local retailers and licensees who are actively helping us ensure fireworks do not get into the hands of under 18s.

“Young people who are we suspect to be carrying fireworks can expect to be searched, have the fireworks seized, and then taken home to inform their parents. 

“Anyone caught mis-using fireworks should expect to be handed an on-the-spot fine.
 
“We want everyone to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire night - but not at the expense of others. Many people do not want Trick or Treaters coming to their door, and feel harassed and intimidated by this so we are asking people to respect one another’s privacy.”
 
If you are concerned about young people in your area being sold fireworks illegally please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06. 

Police in Cumbria are urging people to be wary of a telephone scam that has recently been reported to them.

Officers have had reports of a telephone scam that involves an offender making contact by telephone claiming to be from Police Headquarters. The offender claims to be taking action in relation to a fraud which has occurred abroad and states the correct name of the person telephoned, asking the person to confirm this. The offender goes on to claim that a solicitor has been appointed to proceed with the case and that the person telephoned will be billed for the full court costs unless they contact this solicitor immediately.

If you receive a telephone call  that is similar to the one  described, please treat it with caution. Police do receive complaints of dishonesty and scams where criminals operate over the internet or by telephone. Police always urge people to be cautious and to check out the person or company’s credentials.  Make sure that you use only secure sites when you are on the internet, and do not respond to unsolicited emails or phone calls that ask for financial or personal details. No reputable company or person will ask you for this private information or ask you to part with money over the phone or via email.

Remember that giving out details over the phone or online can cause real problems if they fall into the wrong hands. If you feel that there is something suspicious about any contact you receive by phone or email, contact the Police on 101 or call your local Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Man arrested in Barrow in connection with cold calling

A man aged 25 from the Preston area was arrested yesterday by officers from Cumbria Police following an investigation into cold callers by Barrow CID and Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards.

The man was arrested on suspicion of aggressive selling practices under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.  He has been interviewed and bailed until the 11^th June for further enquiries.

DC Kerry Harris said “This investigation was as a result of a number of reports from concerned residents in Barrow about cold callers. We have arrested a man on suspicion of this offence but we ask the public not to be complacent and remain vigilant when a stranger calls trying to sell you something.”

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council Trading Standards said: "We receive an increase in complaints about doorstep selling in the summer months. We urge householders to be cautious and take time to think about people who call at the door. Rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions."

Cold callers or bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:

•Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. Keep your front and back doors locked.

•Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on.

•Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.

•The Utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

•If in doubt, keep them out!

•Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.

•If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.

•Also be extremely wary of callers who offer to sell you products, make repairs to the house or do other work for you. Always discuss it with relatives or friends and consider contacting your local Trading Standards Office for advice.

•Think carefully about any telephone calls or emails you receive and do not give out any personal information or bank or credit card details.

•Trading Standards and Police advise that if you are considering home security, take time to research the  providers in your area, get recommendations from friends or family or look on your local Trading Standards web site for approved traders.  

 

If you feel you have been a victim of cold callers, or have any information in respect of the two incidents, please contact Barrow CID on 101.

For general consumer advice contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

Warning as doorstep callers target Barrow residents

Detectives in Barrow are warning elderly residents to be vigilant after two separate incidents of cold calling were reported to police on Monday 21st May.

Police were called after two men, believed to be in their 30s, approached different properties and power washed driveways without permission of the elderly owners, before demanding a large amount of cash for the work.

The first incident reported to police happened during at a property in the Oxford Street area and the second in the Westbourne Avenue area. The men are believed to be using a white transit type van and one the males is described as around 5’5” tall, with a foreign accent and wearing combat style shorts.

During the first incident, the elderly occupant paid the two men however during the second incident, a neighbour interrupted the work so cash was not handed over.

Detective Constable Kerry Harris is investigating. She said “We are investigating these two incidents and wish to remind local people to be vigilant and look out for neighbours, friends and family.

“Be extremely wary of callers who arrive unannounced on your doorstep and offer to sell you products, make repairs to the house or do other work for you. Don’t feel pressured to make instant decisions - discuss it with relatives or friends and consider contacting your local Trading Standards Office for advice if you need it.

“Treat every stranger who calls on your door with caution. If you are worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police. If it is not an emergency but you want to speak to an officer or report something suspicious, you can contact Cumbria Police on 101.”

Cold callers or bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:

•Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. Keep your front and back doors locked.

•Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on.

•Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.

•The Utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

•If in doubt, keep them out!

•Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.

•If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.

•Also be extremely wary of callers who offer to sell you products, make repairs to the house or do other work for you. Always discuss it with relatives or friends and consider contacting your local Trading Standards Office for advice.

•Think carefully about any telephone calls or emails you receive and do not give out any personal information or bank or credit card details.

•Trading Standards and Police advise that if you are considering home security, take time to research the  providers in your area, get recommendations from friends or family or look on your local Trading Standards web site for approved traders.  

If you feel you have been a victim of cold callers, or have any information in respect of the two incidents, please contact Barrow CID on 101.

The Citizens Advice Consumer Service provides free, confirdential and impartial advice on consumer issues.

Visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506

Not sure? Don’t open the door!

Not sure? Don’t open the door!

A recent national survey of doorstep crime victims found that;

·  35% of respondents would let someone into the house they didn’t know, 

·  30% of those who had door chains fitted didn’t use them, and

·  31% of victims stated their health had been affected by the incident.

Elderly women living alone are the most vulnerable, but doorstep crime can affect anyone. Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled.
Make sure vulnerable people in your community know how to protect themselves and their wider family from this despicable crime. Below are some simple steps which can help prevent.

·  Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.   Keep your doors locked.

·  Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be

·  Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on.

·  Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.  Get the telephone number from a directory or a bill.

·  The Utilities now offer a password system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

·  Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.

·  If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.

Remember, not sure? Don’t open the door!

'Think Jessica' with Cumbria Trading Standards

As well as the current 'Scamnesty' campaign (see post below) Cumbria Trading Standards also supports the ‘Think Jessica’ poster campaign. The campaign is named after a particularly tragic victim of scam mail. Jessica Looke was in her 70's when she was first scammed into believing that she had won large cash prizes. Her name was put on a 'suckers' list, by the scammer who sent the first scam letter. This meant that her details were sent to criminals all over the world. No one could convince Jessica that the 30 letters received every day were scams, and soon she was sending nearly all of her pension each week to keep up with their demands. It is believed that Jessica sent thousands of pounds to the scammers over five years. Jessica's daughter Marilyn Baldwin, was left horrified watching her mother suffer at the hands of criminals. Jessica sadly died aged 83 and needless to say never received the windfall she was conned into believing she would get.

Jessica's death certificate said the cause of death was pneumonia - but Marilyn blames the mental torment the scammers inflicted on her over the years for damaging her health.

Cumbria Trading Standards hope that the Scamnesty Bins and Think Jessica posters will raise awareness of postal scams and are advising people to think before sending money to claim fake prizes from bogus lotteries, competitions and catalogues. The poster is also designed to appeal to the families of victims and directly to the victims themselves so that they recognise that what they are doing is responding to a scam.

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Manager, said "Scam mail can leave people in debt and misery and many of the victims are particularly vulnerable, for example those with age-related declining mental health and dementia, the recently bereaved or people who are socially isolated or over trusting. The cost to the victim can be thousands of pounds, but the emotional effects can be even more devastating. People need to be aware that scam mail can be very convincing and scammers can be very smart – we want Cumbrian residents to prove they’re smarter and bin the scam mail."

Councillor Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said "I support this Scamnesty campaign and urge residents to help protect vulnerable neighbours or relatives from scam mail. If someone you know is receiving large volumes of scam letters or mail then report the matter to trading standards or the police and help disrupt these criminals who prey on our communities."

For general consumer advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or to report a fraud contact Action Fraud UK on 0300 123 2040.

Are you smarter than the scammers?

Cumbria County Council's trading standards will be cracking down on scam correspondence next month with a Scamnesty campaign, where the public are being encouraged to drop off dodgy letters or emails at collection points dotted all around the county so they can be properly investigated.

The drive against scammers will run throughout the month of February and is aimed to raise public awareness of the perils of engaging with companies or individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society. Scams can take many forms, from fake lottery and prize draw wins, to miracle health cures or ‘get rich quick’ investment cons.

Information collected at the designated bins can help trained trading standards officers obtain valuable intelligence which might assist in preventing more people becoming victims. As well as scam mail which drops through the letterbox, people can also put their scam emails into one of the collection boxes, or alternatively they can report scam emails online at www.actionfraud.org.uk/scam-emails. Consumers can be assured that all material will be treated in confidence.

Cumbria Trading Standards also supports the ‘Think Jessica’ poster campaign. The campaign is named after a particularly tragic victim of scam mail. Jessica Looke was in her 70s when she was first scammed into believing that she had won large cash prizes. Her name was put on a 'suckers' list, by the scammer who sent the first scam letter. This meant that her details were sent to criminals all over the world. No one could convince Jessica that the 30 letters received every day were scams, and soon she was sending nearly all of her pension each week to keep up with their demands. It is believed that Jessica sent thousands of pounds to the scammers over five years. Jessica's daughter Marilyn Baldwin, was left horrified watching her mother suffer at the hands of criminals. Jessica sadly died aged 83 and needless to say never received the windfall she was conned into believing she would get.

Jessica's death certificate said the cause of death was pneumonia - but Marilyn blames the mental torment the scammers inflicted on her over the years for damaging her health.

Cumbria Trading Standards hope that the Scamnesty Bins and Think Jessica posters will raise awareness of postal scams and are advising people to think before sending money to claim fake prizes from bogus lotteries, competitions and catalogues. The poster is also designed to appeal to the families of victims and directly to the victims themselves so that they recognise that what they are doing is responding to a scam.

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Manager, said "Scam mail can leave people in debt and misery and many of the victims are particularly vulnerable, for example those with age-related declining mental health and dementia, the recently bereaved or people who are socially isolated or over trusting. The cost to the victim can be thousands of pounds, but the emotional effects can be even more devastating. People need to be aware that scam mail can be very convincing and scammers can be very smart – we want Cumbrian residents to prove they’re smarter and bin the scam mail."

Cllr Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said "I support this Scamnesty campaign and urge residents to help protect vulnerable neighbours or relatives from scam mail. If someone you know is receiving large volumes of scam letters or mail then report the matter to trading standards or the police and help disrupt these criminals who prey on our communities."

For general consumer advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or to report a fraud contact Action Fraud UK on 0300 123 2040.

Local drop off points will be situated in the following locations throughout February:

Ulverston – Booths, Oubas Hill.

Dalton – Co-op, Market Street

Millom – Tesco, Lancashire Road.

Barrow in Furness - Morrisons, Strand.  Age UK Shop, Abbey Road

Grange Over Sands – The Library, Grange Fell Road.

Cold caller warning for older people

Cumbria Trading Standards is advising consumers, particularly vulnerable older people, that they may be targeted by cold callers masquerading as representatives of adult social care.

A number of companies have been reported selling stair lifts and disability aids after cold calling residents in the Kendal area.

The callers often telephone first and have been giving the impression that they are representing either the council or health service. They may also describe themselves as 'therapists'. However, once they are invited in, they begin a hard sell on various occupational therapy goods. These can include mattresses, stair lifts as well as other disability aids.

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Service Manager, said "These firms are purely sales driven and may give a false impression that they are acting on behalf of Cumbria County Council to gain access to consumers' homes. Once there they may try to sell goods which consumers may not want or need. The council does not cold call individuals to sell goods.

"Our advice is to not agree to any visits from these firms - they are not qualified as occupational therapists and they are not acting in your interests. If you have bought goods, you have 7 days to cancel. Please exercise these rights immediately if you don’t want the goods or feel that you have been pressured into buying them."

For more information or if you need further advice please contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

If the caller claims to be from Adult Social Care or if you need advice on disability aids or mobility goods please contact Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care on 01228 227105. 

FREE electric blanket safety tests

Cumbria Trading Standards will be carrying out examinations and safety checks

Monday 19  to Friday 23 September 2011 at Barrow Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road.

Monday 3  to Friday 7 October 2011 at;

Committee Room 2, County Offices, Kendal

St Paul's Parish Church Hall, Grange

Methodist Church Hall, Harley Street, Ulverston

To arrange an appointment and obtain details of where to submit your blanket please contact Trading Standards on the following numbers:

Neville House, Ulverston 01229 404040

County Offices, Kendal 01539 713577

Testing is strictly by appointment only and limited numbers are available each day. Should your blanket fail one replacement under-blanket per household will be provided. This service is only available during the above dates.

Scam Awareness Month

February is the Office of Fair Trading’s 'Scam Awareness Month'. Trading Standards are encouraging the public to report any scams that they have received by post, email, phone or fax to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Postal scams can also be deposited in our ‘Scamnesty’ bin by the check outs at Morrisons, Barrow.

To avoid being scammed:

• Never be rushed into replying to an exciting or urgent offer, always speak to a friend or relative before sending money

• Never send money to anyone who says you've won the lottery or a big prize

• Never give your bank account details or other information to people you don't know

If you have any further concerns please ring Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Trading standards announce amnesty for counterfeit goods

Cumbria Trading Standards has announced a three month amnesty on counterfeit goods starting on Monday (1 Nov).

During the amnesty, which will run until 31 January 2011, anyone in possession of quantities of counterfeit goods of any type can sign them over to any trading standards office or library in Cumbria without fear of being prosecuted.

Counterfeit goods are illegal copies of well known branded products and can include designer clothes and shoes, electrical goods such as hair straighteners, DVDs and CDs, perfume, cigarettes and alcohol. Many of the counterfeit goods handed in will be de-branded and donated to charity or good causes where possible.

The amnesty will not apply to anyone already subject to formal investigation or proceedings.

The trade in counterfeit goods is believed to cost the UK over 4,000 job losses each year and it is estimated that this costs all industry sectors around £11billion every year. Such losses pose a serious threat to the stability of the UK economy at a time when we are all tightening our finances.

Trading standards officer Eamonn Quinn, who is leading this amnesty, said: "There is a darker side to counterfeiting - fake goods can be dangerous and there is evidence that counterfeiting can be linked to organised crime and drugs.

"In some cases individuals might be supplying counterfeit goods to their family, friends or work colleagues without realising the seriousness of the offences. We urge them to stop supplying immediately and use this opportunity to hand in any counterfeit goods without fear of reprisal."

The maximum penalty for offences under this legislation is an unlimited fine and up to 10 years in prison per offence.

A recent case at Preston Crown Court has resulted in a Proceeds of Crime payment of £105,000 and a two year suspended sentence being awarded against a counterfeiter working from home and selling on eBay. This is the biggest award Cumbria Trading Standards has received and clearly illustrates that monies gained from criminal activities like counterfeiting will be taken back.

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for trading standards, said: "I really hope that this amnesty will make counterfeiters think about the damage they’re doing to legitimate traders in the county and the harm they may be causing to consumers. If they want to stop and put this aspect of their lives behind them now is the time to do it.

"Once the amnesty is over we will continue to target markets, car boot sales and the internet to remove fake and potentially unsafe goods and prosecute anyone selling them. When we catch up with them - which we will - the court will know the opportunity to hand over the goods was ignored."

For further details on where and how to surrender counterfeit goods please contact 01229 404040 or trading.standards@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Fireworks test for Barrow traders

Trading Standards Officers carried out an operation in Barrow last night (October 21) where they sent an underage volunteer to eight shops to buy fireworks.

The operation was a successful one with all eight of the shops refusing to serve the 15-year-old volunteer.

In the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night, shops have been reminded by Cumbria Trading Standards that fireworks must be stored in a safe, fireproof place and that they might face action if they were sold to anyone under the age of 18.

Angela Jones, Trading Standards Service Manger at Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "I am very encouraged by the results achieved in last night’s operation, particularly as it is in the run up to bonfire night. This demonstrates that traders are taking their responsibilities in relation to selling fireworks seriously. However we will continue with these operations throughout the firework sales period.

"We work closely with partner agencies and with retailers to make sure they comply with age restricted sales legislation. These types of operations are a vital part of helping to ensure youngsters stay safe and that anti-social behavior is reduced."

Anyone with information about shops that may be selling age restricted products to young people can contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

FREE Electric Blanket Safety Testing

Free electric blanket safety tests are being offered to the Furness Community. Cumbria Trading Standards will carry out checks at Age UK, in Abbey Road, Barrow on September 22nd.

Sessions will take place between 9am and 5pm. Checks are by pre-booked appointments only.

Replacement electric blankets are available at the session should submitted blankets fail to work.

Electric blanket safety tests

Cumbria Trading Standards will be carrying out examinations and safety checks from Monday 21 September to Friday 25 September 2009 at the Nan Tait Building, Abbey Rd, Barrow.

Testing is strictly by appointment only.

To arrange an appointment and obtain details of where to submit your blanket, please contact your nearest Trading Standards at Neville House, Ulverston on 01229 404040.