Suffolk Trading Standards
In the news
Suffolk taxpayers face increased risk as tax scams rise by 16%
Tax scam attempts reported to HMRC have risen by 16.7% in the past year, with fraudsters stepping up their efforts to target Suffolk residents ahead of the January Self Assessment deadline.News
Trading Standards issues vital Christmas decoration safety warning ahead of December 1st
Suffolk Trading Standards has issued urgent safety guidance for residents putting up Christmas decorations this weekend, with a particular warning about electrical items and novelty decorations containing button batteries.News
Suffolk residents urged to check on elderly neighbours after storms
Trading Standards is calling on Suffolk residents to help protect vulnerable neighbours from rogue traders who may try to exploit recent storm damage for profit.News
Warning over fake Christmas fair scam targeting Ipswich traders
Small businesses in Ipswich are being warned about fake Christmas craft fair advertisements appearing on Facebook community groups, designed to scam traders out of pitch fees.News
Illegal tobacco and vapes seized in Ipswich and Stowmarket raids
Trading Standards officers have seized more than 1,200 packets of tobacco and 270 vapes in raids on two shops in Ipswich and Stowmarket. A specially trained sniffer dog helped uncover the illegal goods.News
Trading Standards warns of WhatsApp scam targeting Ipswich parents
Suffolk Trading Standards is alerting residents about criminals using WhatsApp to impersonate children and ask parents for money. The scammers typically claim they're using a new phone number after losing or damaging their device.News
What you need to know about disposing of Halloween pumpkins
As residents prepare their Halloween decorations, Trading Standards officials have released guidance on the safe and legal disposal of carved pumpkins to protect livestock from disease.News
Hundreds of unsafe Halloween decorations seized at Felixstowe port
Trading Standards officers have seized more than 460 dangerous Halloween inflatables at the Port of Felixstowe. The electronic decorations, which were destined for sale on Amazon, lacked essential safety markings and warnings.News
How to spot fake council workers after attempted Stowmarket solar panel scam
Residents are being warned to be vigilant when answering their door to people claiming to be council workers after a scammer attempted to defraud a Stowmarket resident out of £200 for fake solar panel repairs.News
Suffolk emergency services launch Halloween and Bonfire Night safety campaign
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Trading Standards have joined forces to promote safety during upcoming Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations, encouraging residents to attend organised displays rather than host private fireworks events.News
How to spot and report fake household support scam targeting Ipswich
Ipswich residents are being warned about fraudsters sending scam text messages that promise £900 from the Household Support Fund in exchange for bank details.News
Residents warned of living allowance text scam
Multiple residents have reported receiving fraudulent text messages claiming to offer a "living allowance" from the UK Government. Local authorities are urging caution as these messages are part of a scam.News
Parents warned as unsafe inflatable children's costumes seized in Suffolk
Suffolk Trading Standards has confiscated 425 dangerous inflatable costumes for children due to a high risk of asphyxiation. The products, imported from China, failed to meet UK safety regulations.News
Warning issued over fake Universal Credit app scam in Ipswich
Suffolk Trading Standards has alerted residents to a fraudulent Universal Credit app circulating in the area.News
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service honours local heroes at annual awards
Firefighters, staff, and volunteers celebrated for their service and bravery at Trinity Park Showground ceremony.News
Trading Standards warns of spray foam insulation removal scam in Ipswich
Suffolk Trading Standards is alerting residents to a rise in cold callers, pressuring homeowners to pay for potentially unnecessary spray foam insulation removal.News
Warning issued as vulnerable resident targeted in driveway cleaning scam
A person with dementia was driven to a cash machine and pressured to withdraw £500 for unnecessary driveway cleaning work in Rushmere St Andrew last week.News
Don't look back in anger: Trading Standards issue warning over fake Oasis tickets in Suffolk
Ipswich residents are urged to be vigilant as fraudsters flood Facebook community groups with fake profiles selling non-existent Oasis tickets.News
Residents warned of parking fine text message scam
Suffolk Trading Standards is alerting Ipswich residents to a new scam involving fake parking fine text messages purporting to be from the local council. Officials are urging people not to click any links in these messages.News
Suffolk Trading Standards warns of Ipswich Town ticket scams
Suffolk Trading Standards has issued an alert about fraudulent social media posts offering tickets to Ipswich Town Football Club matches.News
New officers to combat Suffolk's £15.8m fraud problem
Suffolk is ramping up its fight against fraud with new dedicated officers and a united approach across public services.News