East Sussex Residents Newsletter Winter 2025

Important Information

Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls

Stay informed about unsafe products:

Food and Allergy Alerts

Check the latest food safety and allergy warnings:

Report Fraud – New National Reporting Service

The City of London Police have launched Report Fraud, a new national reporting centre for cybercrime and fraud.
If you have been scammed, defrauded, or experienced cybercrime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, report it here:
reportfraud.police.uk

Ask Silver – Free Scam Checker

Unsure if something is a scam? Use the new online scam checker:
Ask Silver- Free Scam Checker

Unsure of the Legitimacy of a Website?

Use the Get Safe Online tool to check if a website is genuine or a scam:
https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite/

Advice for a Scam-Free and Safe Christmas

Unsafe Toys and Electrical Products
Always buy from trustworthy retailers and online outlets to ensure products meet safety standards.
Accept There is a Scam for Everything
Scammers can be friendly and convincing. They may contact you by phone, post, online, or even at your door.
Stay Safe Online
Buy only from internet traders you know and trust. Type the website address yourself rather than clicking social media ads.
Social Media Marketplaces
Be cautious when buying goods on platforms like Facebook. Low-priced branded items may be counterfeit and unsafe. Check seller profiles and avoid risky payments.
Bogus Charity Collectors
Most charity collectors are genuine, but some exploit generosity. Verify before donating.
Bank / Building Society Scams
Be alert for texts, emails, or calls pretending to be from your bank. Spending spikes during Christmas make this a prime time for fraud.

Cold Callers – Roof Repairs & Foam Loft Insulation

East Sussex Trading Standards warns residents about cold callers claiming urgent roof repairs or foam loft insulation is needed.

What you should do:

Never agree to work from a cold call.
If concerned, get at least three written quotes from reputable businesses.
Use trusted sources like the Buy With Confidence scheme or recommendations from friends and family.
Find an approved Buy with Confidence trader

For Trading Standards advice, complaints, or concerns:
Citizens Advice Helpline: 0808 223 1133 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

If you feel threatened, call 999. For non-urgent issues, call 101.

Top tips before getting building work, renovations or repairs done on your home

Bird Flu – Update

The risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in birds remains.

Bird flu is primarily a disease of birds; risk to public health is extremely low.
It is a notifiable animal disease.
If you suspect avian influenza in poultry or captive birds, report immediately:
DEFRA Rural Services Helpline: 03000 200 301

Found a dead wild bird?

Do NOT touch or pick up sick or dead birds.
On private property: Contact DEFRA – Tel: 03459 335577
On public land: Contact your District or Borough Council

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it

Bird Keepers:
Ensure strict biosecurity and hygiene controls.
DEFRA & APHA guidance here
Latest updates on bird flu in England here

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