News

Don’t fall foul of scammers this Christmas

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2020

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Trading Standards Team are urging shoppers to stay safe when shopping online and looking for bargains this Christmas.

It is important that people buy safely and securely in order to try to prevent themselves falling victim to a scam.

Top tips:

Carry out some research into those they are buying from – is it a known company? If not, carry out your own research by looking for online reviews of the seller before deciding to buy and check where they are based. If they are outside the UK/Europe your rights will be limited. Don’t assume the company you are buying from is in the UK even if their contact page says they are. Some overseas based companies put UK or London as their location.
Check returns policies – some retailers are offering extended returns periods this year.
Use a payment that offers some extra protection to you including credit cards for purchases over £100. Ensure the online link is secure, look for the padlock symbol in the browser and that the address begins https://. The s stands for secure.
Regularly check your bank and credit card statements.
Contact your bank immediately if you think you may have been a victim of fraud.
Use strong separate passwords and keep antivirus software updated and a firewall installed.
Watch out for phishing emails or texts – unfortunately if a deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is and could contain links to fake copycat websites. Do not open or reply to suspicious emails or open any attachments and be wary if asked to provide personal information. Forward these to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected] who will remove if it is a scam.

Scammers continue to look to take advantage of this time of year with more people shopping online than ever. Scams reported locally include:

Fake Royal Mail emails claiming an extra payment is needed for an unsuccessful delivery attempt. Please check out the website at www.royalmail.com for details of current scams relating to deliveries.
Bogus emails purporting to be from companies such as Amazon or Paypal trying to trick customers with messages about account issues relating to ordered goods. In these cases customers are led to malicious websites by clicking links contained in the email. If in doubt customers should check their account using their own login details.

Consumers should also be aware of the dangers of unsafe products being sold online. This is a particular issue for third party sellers on online marketplaces such as Amazon and Ebay.

The British Toy and Hobby Association conducted a survey over the past two years, purchasing toys from sellers on online platforms and then having them safety tested. Over the past year, they found 86% of the toys purchased were illegal to sell in the UK as they failed to comply with UK toy safety requirements and 60% were unsafe for a child to play with.

No one wants to take risks with toy safety so please consider the following guidelines:-

Look for the ‘CE’ symbol: this means the toy has passed safety Tests.
Button battery safety: Check they are screwed in safely before giving to a child.
Check age restrictions: toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions. Always follow the age recommendations.
Check the price: if it’s much cheaper than you’d expect, it may be counterfeit.
Buy toys from a reputable seller: check reviews and ratings carefully.

It’s not only toys. Last year, Which? found that almost half of Christmas tree lights sold through online marketplaces were unsafe. The study also found that 66% of electrical products purchased on online marketplaces failed crucial safety tests.

There has also been a recent increase of counterfeit Dyson hair dryers being imported for sale in the UK. These are being sold at a much cheaper price than the recommended retail price. These are inferior, potentially dangerous, copies.

If someone needs consumer advice or wishes to report a scam they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 for a Welsh Speaker these details will be shared with Trading Standards who may also make contact by phone to offer support and advice.

Trading Standards have produced an Avoiding Scams Advice Booklet which contains the latest guidance on different types of scams and practical advice on how consumers can protect themselves.

This is available on the Pembrokeshire County Council website at https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/consumer-advice/avoiding-scams-advice-booklet or alternatively a printed copy can be provided.

Please email [email protected] for a copy.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

10 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

10 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.