Middlesbrough Trading Standards

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making scams harder to spot than ever. Criminals can clone a loved one's voice, create fake celebrity investment videos, build convincing online identities for romance fraud, generate fake intimate images for sextortion, and send realistic scam emails and texts.

💭Remember: a familiar voice, a famous face, a video call or a professional-looking message is no longer proof that something is genuine. Always verify independently, never rush into sending money, and be cautious when sharing personal information online.

Want to learn more about how AI is changing the scam landscape and how to protect yourself? Read more https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/site-media/459681254/pdf

🚨 INTERNATIONAL ROMANCE FRAUD PREVENTION DAY 🚨

Tomorrow is International Romance Fraud Prevention Day, a day to raise awareness of romance fraud, a growing crime where scammers build fake relationships to steal money and personal information.

❤️ While online dating and social media can help people make genuine connections, fraudsters often exploit trust and emotions for financial gain.

⚠️ Watch out for the warning signs:

🔹 Fake Profiles
Scammers often use stolen photos and create multiple fake accounts.

🔹 Too Good to Be True
They may quickly declare their love, make grand promises, or build an intense relationship very quickly.

🔹 Requests for Money
They may ask for financial help, gift cards, bank transfers, or money to invest in a "great opportunity".

🔹 Pressure and Secrecy
They may discourage meeting in person, avoid video calls, or ask you to keep the relationship private.

🔹 Do Your Research
Verify their identity, look for red flags, and trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.

💡 Remember: Never send money or share personal or financial information with someone you have only met online.

📞 If you need advice or believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

🚨 If you have lost money or believe you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Report Fraud at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.

🛡️ BE INFORMED. STAY ALERT. PROTECT YOUR HEART (AND YOUR WALLET).

⚠️ Warning for parents and carers
We’ve issued a safety alert for baby sleeping bags without armholes or with a hood.
These products pose a serious, or even lethal risk as they can allow a baby to slip inside the sleeping bag or have their nose and mouth covered.
❌️ Do not buy or use these products. If you already own one, stop using it immediately and contact the supplier.
📢 Share this post with anyone who may have this product.
Read more: https://www.gov.uk/.../safety-alert-issued-for-baby...
See the full alert: https://www.gov.uk/.../product-safety-alert-baby-sleeping...

⚠️ Warning for parents and carers

We’ve issued a safety alert for baby sleeping bags without armholes or with a hood.

These products pose a serious, or even lethal risk as they can allow a baby to slip inside the sleeping bag or have their nose and mouth covered.

❌️ Do not buy or use these products. If you already own one, stop using it immediately and contact the supplier.

📢 Share this post with anyone who may have this product.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/safety-alert-issued-for-baby-sleeping-bags

See the full alert: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-baby-sleeping-bags-psa9

❌A scam text message telling you that you were caught speeding ❌📸

A scam text, sent from a spoofed mobile number, tells you that a speed camera has detected you speeding in your car.

It goes on to provide a link to a copycat government website to 'respond quickly.'

This phishing site will steal your personal information as you enter it in.

Scam texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 and websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Product Recall: YongnKids Theme Scene Sandbox Toy Kit sold via Amazon

Hazard: The product presents a risk to health as the sand included in the kit may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.

Corrective action: The local authority is requiring the recall of the products from end users.

The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Amazon).

Product information
Type Toys - Sensory Toys
Brand YongnKids
Amazon ASIN BODPQ5M3P3
Amazon Barcode X0026TZ9ZR
Country of Origin China
Product Description Sand crafting and art box containing bags of coloured sand.

Hazard
The product presents a risk to health as the sand included in the kit may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

Corrective action
The local authority is requiring the recall of the products from end users. The import has been rejected at the border and the listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Amazon).

We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children. Follow the below instructions for details on disposal and return of the product.

Disposal instructions:
Stop using the product immediately.
If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used with wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.
Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.
Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
Return the product to store where specified by the retailer for a full refund.
If you are unable to return the product to the retailer, or the product was purchased via an online marketplace, follow the steps above and contact your local authority / access their website for guidance on safe disposal of asbestos in your area.
For further information, please contact the retailer or visit the GOV.UK page on asbestos in consumer products.

A recent warning post from Cleveland Police

WARNING❗

We have had numerous reports this evening of residents receiving a phone call of someone purporting to be a police officer and misusing the old 01642 326 326 number in order for the caller to pass on bank details and other personal information.

Inspector Dominic Croft said: "Please be aware that these phone calls are not genuine and not being made by a police officer or Cleveland Police.

"If you receive the call, please be cautious, do not pass on personal or bank information, and end it immediately."

⚠️Scam Alert - Fake Indeed Interview Applications used to install Spyware⚠️

Scammers are using fake Android “interview” apps to target job seekers on the Indeed platform. The scammers trick applicants to download the malicious interview tool app that is not affiliated with the legitimate Indeed job search platform.

It works by scammers advertising fake job openings on Indeed and prompts applicants into installing a fake Android App that impersonates Indeed and is advertised as an interview tool.

The applicant receives instructions like the below. Once the Malware is on the device and granted the Accessibility permission it takes control of the device.

Protect yourself against job scams:

The interview process on the legitimate Indeed platform does not require users to download interviewing apps, the entire process happens within the official Indeed browser.

The official Indeed Job Search app is distributed through Google Play and not through links or unfamiliar interview website.

Any message asking a job seeker to download an app to participate in an interview is a scam. A job interview should not require you to download an app outside of the official play store, enable a VPN or install unknown software. Do not click any links
or download files.

Verify job offers through independent channels and complete due diligence on the company as in some cases, the company did not exist.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhsUVUBvD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

⚠️ Important product safety alert

Toothed saw blade attachments for angle grinders are unsafe. They can cause kickback creating a loss of control, risking serious injury or death.

What you need to do:
❌️ Stop using toothed saw blade attachments immediately
📞 Contact the business if it was sold for use with an angle grinder as you may be entitled to a refund or other remedy
🚮 Dispose of the saw blade safely

Read the full safety alert: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-angle-grinder-toothed-saw-blade-attachments-psa5

Product Recall - TU Tote Shopper Bags

The products have been recalled from end users by Argos and Sainsbury’s.

Tu Pu Tan Curved Top Shopper
SKU: 147160009
Item Number 147160412

Tu Black Croc Winged Tote Bag
SKU: 147165985
Item Number:147166081

Tu Brown Belt Handled Core Shopper
SKU: 147789683
Item Number: 147789704

The products present a serious chemical risk because they contain excessive concentrations of phthalates. Phthalates may harm the health of children, potentially causing damage to the reproductive system.

The products have been recalled from end users by Argos and Sainsbury’s.

We recommend that you stop using the products immediately and return them to your nearest Sainsbury's or Argos store for a full refund. For further details, or if you have any questions, please visit the websites below:
• Sainsburys.co.uk/help or 0800 028 8303
• Argos Safety Product Recalls or 0800 011 3462

⚠️ Could you spot a deepfake scam?

Deepfakes are highly convincing fake videos, photos, or audio of real or fake people, created using artificial intelligence (AI).

Criminals also use AI to write scam messages in perfect English, by the thousand. These fakes are very convincing.

A few simple habits can help you stay protected. Learn how these scams work and what you can do to spot them: 🔗https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/site-media/459681254/pdf