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We have received a report of a man in a white van going door to door in Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk, offering garden furniture for sale.

These individuals often visit Suffolk and use the same sales patter - “last one”, “great price” "ex-exhibition stock" etc, They currently state they have stock because they have not been able to sell them at the usual Garden Shows.

Our advice is to NEVER buy at the door!

If you are approached at the door and are not expecting a caller, our advice is not to answer.

If approached report to us via 0808 223 1133. When reporting doorstep incidents, please try to supply key information such as the description of the individual and their vehicle, including the make, model and vehicle registration if seen.

During summer 2021, the standard (95 octane) petrol grade in Great Britain will become E10.

The change in fuel applies to petrol only. Diesel fuel will not be changing.

Almost all (95%) petrol-powered vehicles on the road today can use E10 petrol and all cars built since 2011 are compatible.

If your petrol vehicle or equipment is not compatible with E10 fuel, you will still be able to use E5 by purchasing the ‘super’ grade (97+ octane) petrol from most filling stations.

Petrol pumps will clearly label petrol as either E10 or E5.

You can check if your car, motorbike or moped can use E10 petrol by using the E10 vehicle checker: https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol

Around 95% of petrol-powered vehicles on the road are compatible with E10 petrol and this figure is increasing all the time.

All new cars manufactured since 2011 are compatible with E10 petrol, and most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are also approved by manufacturers to use E10.

The following vehicles, however, may not be compatible with E10 petrol:

- classic, cherished and older vehicles
- some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s
- some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under

If your brand or model is not listed, consult your manual or contact your vehicle or equipment manufacturer. Vehicle MOT garages or workshops may also be able to advise on cars, vans and motorcycles. If in doubt, continue to use E5 (97+ octane) petrol.

Beware of fake text messages purporting to be from the NHS, claiming that you have been in contacted with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

These texts have been sent by criminals who have created the fake website to look similar to the NHS website, with the same branding, layout and font choices.

DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK.

If you think you have provided scammers with your financial details, contact your bank immediately.

If you receive what you think is a fake message, forward the text message, including the phone number or company name, to 7726. It won’t cost you anything and it means your phone provider can investigate the sender.

Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is warning the public and healthcare professionals to take care when buying infrared thermometers and to know what to look for when purchasing online.

There has been an increase in the number of unreliable infrared thermometers which are available in the UK.

Infrared thermometers, like all medical devices fit for sale on the UK market, will carry a distinct CE or UKCA mark.

The MHRA advises that anyone considering purchasing an infrared thermometer should follows the guidance set out in the information for the public and professional users here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infrared-ir-thermometers-caution-in-use People can also read our general advice and tips on purchasing medical devices online here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medical-devices-information-for-users-and-patients

In addition, people should be aware that temperature screening is not a reliable method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection. In July 2020, the MHRA issued a warning to manufacturers and suppliers of thermal cameras which cautioned them against making claims which directly relate to COVID-19 diagnosis.

The MHRA is responsible for enforcing the law on medical devices in the UK and has a range of a range of investigatory and enforcement powers to ensure their safety and quality. If suppliers fail to comply with the regulations then they may be subject to prosecution.
Are you planning on doing a car boot sale or garage sale this weekend?

There are different requirements when selling at car boot or garage sales, depending on whether or not you are a 'trader' in the eyes of the law.

Most people who sell at boot sales probably don't consider themselves to be in trade, despite perhaps selling at such sales several times a year.

So, when does the law consider you a trader? There is no hard and fast rule, but ask yourself the following questions:

1 - Are the goods you are selling your personal property? If you buy goods specially to resell - for example, from auction websites, newspaper adverts or a cash and carry - or if you make goods for the purpose of selling them, you are very likely to be a trader.

2 - Do you sell at boot sales regularly? If so, you are likely to be a trader even if boot sales are not a major source of income

3 - Do you employ anyone to help you with sales? If so, you are probably a trader.

4 - Do you sell similar goods at other venues - for example, markets, in the street or from home? If so, you are almost certainly a trader.

5 - How much of your income is derived from participation in car boot sales and for what percentage of your income does it account? The more significant the proportion of income you derive from car boot sales, the more likely you are a trader at those sales.

If you are a genuine 'non-trader' seller - if, for example, the goods you are selling are your own personal property - you will be largely outside the controls of consumer law. However, there are exceptions.

So before setting up your stall, make sure you know what you need to do to comply with any consumer legislation. Click here for guidance: https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/goods/car-boot-sales
New Voice App
Mars Wrigley is recalling some of its M&Ms Crispy products due to the presence of a genetically modified organism (GMO) in an ingredient produced by a supplier.

Mars Wrigley does not use GMOs in any of their products in Europe. Further, there is no GMO authorised for this ingredient under UK law and so the products must be recalled.

Product: M&M's Crispy 246g Pouch Slim
Barcode: 500015952053
Batch Code: 125E2HAG03, 125E3HAG03, 125F1HAG03, 125F2HAG03, 125F3HAG03
Best Before Date: 23.01.2022

Product: M&M's Crispy 107g
Barcode: 500015952021
Batch Code: 126C2HAG03, 125A1HAG03, 125A2HAG03, 125A3HAG03, 125B1HAG03, 125B2HAG03, 125B3HAG03, 125C1HAG03, 125C2HAG03, 125G3HAG03, 126A1HAG03, 126A2HAG03, 126A3HAG03, 126B1HAG03, 126B2HAG03, 126B3HAG03, 126C1HAG03
Best Before Date: 30.01.2022, 23.01.2022

Product: M&M's Crispy Bag 77g
Barcode: 5000159500920
Batch Code: 125G2HAG03, 125D2HAG03, 125D3HAG03, 125E1HAG03, 125G1HAG03, 127F2HAG03, 127F3HAG03
Best Before Date: 23.01.2022

Product: M&M's Crispy Sgl 36G
Barcode: 5000159304245
Batch Code: 125G3HAG03, 125G2HAG03
Best Before Date: 23.01.2022

If you have purchased one of the products listed please contact Mars Wrigley via this link: www.gbr.mars.com/contact-us. Alternatively, please return them to the store you purchased them from, where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt.
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If you need advice, or want to report a scam or rogue trader,
call us via 0808 223 1133.
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