Community Safety Alert: Protecting Against Fraud

Important Information for Kesgrave Residents

This alert, shared by the Suffolk Against Fraud (SAF) team (a partnership between Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk County Council Trading Standards), aims to raise awareness. As seasonal routines change and offenders adapt their tactics, we urge all residents, particularly older and more vulnerable community members, to remain vigilant. By understanding how these scammers operate, households can spot the warning signs early and prevent fraud before it happens.

1. Beware of Rogue Tree Service Traders Targeting Garden Owners

Suffolk Against Fraud has received recent reports of rogue tree service traders operating in the Felixstowe and Ipswich areas, with strong concerns that those responsible may also be active in neighbouring towns and communities across East Suffolk. As improving weather encourages residents to tackle garden maintenance, rogue traders often advertise their services through unsolicited leaflets, social media posts, or direct doorstep calls. They typically offer garden maintenance, tree pruning, roofing, and general property repairs.

How to Spot a Rogue Trader:

• Uninvited callers: Traders turning up unannounced at your doorstep offering immediate services.
• False urgency: Claiming work is urgent or hazardous and needs to be completed right away.
• High-pressure tactics: Pressuring householders into making quick decisions on the spot.
• Cash-only demands: Insisting on immediate cash payments or charging excessive sums for substandard or unauthorised work.
• Lack of documentation: Refusing to provide written quotations, verifiable references, or proof of insurance.

How to Protect Yourself & Your Property:

• Always obtain at least three written quotes before agreeing to any home or garden work.
• Check reviews and recommendations independently from trusted sources.
• Never agree to work on the doorstep. Take time to consult with family, friends, or neighbours before committing.
• Keep your door locked and use a door chain when answering unexpected callers.
• Consider supporting or establishing a No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ) in your neighbourhood to deter rogue doorstep traders.

2. Suspicious Charity Collection Bags Linked to Potential Distraction Burglaries

Residents are being urged to exercise caution following the discovery of large quantities of charity collection bags dumped in rural hedges across Suffolk. While many charity donation bags delivered through letterboxes are legitimate, criminals are increasingly using fake or unauthorised collection bags as a scouting tool.

Offenders distribute bags through letterboxes encouraging residents to leave clothing and household items outside for collection. Once donations are placed outside, offenders may:

• Collect and keep valuable donated items for personal profit rather than charitable causes.
• Assess the quality and quantity of goods being donated to gauge household wealth.
• Use this gathered intelligence to identify properties that may contain valuable possessions.
• Return at a later date to commit burglary or other property offences.

Safe Donation Guidance:

• You can verify any door-to-door charity collection by checking the charity’s official website or contacting them directly using independently verified phone numbers.
• Be cautious of unsolicited collection bags, avoid leaving donations outside your property for extended periods.
• Consider taking donations directly to an official charity shop or collection point instead.

3. "Hang Up on Courier Fraud" – Bank and Police Impersonation Scams

Courier fraud remains a significant threat across Suffolk. Fraudsters are highly sophisticated and convincing, often phoning victims while posing as police officers, bank staff, or officials from other trusted organisations.

In a typical courier fraud scam, the caller falsely claims that your bank account has been compromised or that counterfeit currency has been identified. Victims are told not to discuss the matter with anyone under the guise of an ongoing "covert investigation". Scammers then ask the victim to withdraw cash, purchase gold bullion or gift cards, or hand over bank cards, PINs, or valuables to a courier sent directly to the victim's address.

Remember: The Police or Your Bank Will NEVER:

• Ask for your bank details, PIN, or passwords.
• Ask you to transfer money, withdraw cash, or purchase gold bullion or gift cards for an investigation.
• Send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, PINs, cash, or valuables.

Stop. Think. Check.

• Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call.
• Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before using the phone again (or use a different phone line) to ensure the scammer has cleared the line.
• Never feel pressured into acting quickly; talk to a trusted friend or family member first.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you feel pressured or suspicious, do not let unexpected callers into your home, end phone calls immediately, and report your concerns to the relevant authorities:

• Suffolk Police: Report online at suffolk.police.uk/report or call 101 (non-emergency).
• In an Emergency: Always call 999 if you feel threatened or a crime is currently in progress.
• Report Fraud: Visit www.reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
• Citizens Advice Consumer Service: Call 0808 223 1133 for expert advice on scams and consumer rights.
• Suffolk Against Fraud Team: Contact directly via email at saf@suffolk.gov.uk.