Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards Service

14/09/2026

The WhatsApp screen-sharing scam that could drain your bank account

Fraudsters pose as banks, the police and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to hack accounts

03/09/2026

The warning signs of a pension scam

When crooks can create a sophisticated website in minutes, you'll need to look deeper to spot their scams

03/09/2026

Product Recall for ASDA Ladies’ Handbags. The products present a serious chemical risk because they contain excessive concentrations of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Phthalates may harm the health of children, possibly causing damage to the reproductive system.

Front Pocket Xbody Bag
Product Code: 1100258937001
Barcode: 5059206286959

Opp Tote Bag
Product Code: 1100260834001
Barcode: 5059206491797

Black Nylon Phone Bag
Product Code: 1100258939001
Barcode: 505920628577

We recommend that consumers stop using the product immediately. Return the product to any ASDA store for a full refund.

03/09/2026

⚠️ Product recall for Simple 730ml Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water

The product poses a microbiological risk ⚠️

If you have an affected batch, stop using it immediately. Contact the shop where you bought the product for disposal instructions and/or return of the product.

Share this recall with anyone who may have bought or used the product.

Recall notice: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-simple-730ml-kind-to-skin-micellar-cleansing-water-2608-0103

For more information, please access: https://www.simple.co.uk/product-recall-notice.html

21/08/2026

🎒 School uniform costs can soon add up.
If you're worried about the cost of uniforms or other back-to-school essentials, support may be available.
💡 Before borrowing:
✅ Check if your local council offers school uniform grants
✅ Speak to your child's school about available support
💰 Need to borrow? Choose a safe and legal lender, such as a Credit Union or CDFI.
⚠️ Worried about a lender or think you've borrowed from a loan shark?
📞 Call 0300 555 2222
🌐 stoploansharks.co.uk

21/08/2026

Following confirmation of a fifth case of bluetongue BTV-3 in Scotland, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been put in place in South West Scotland. Livestock keepers must follow the movement controls on animals and germinal products and apply for a licence where needed: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/bluetongue-movement-restrictions-for-animals/.

Check the bluetongue map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4867f4e1f680415898482df7aabb703d/page/Page and GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/latest-situation/ for more information.

If you keep cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants you must remain vigilant. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported to APHA. Please see what steps you must take to prevent and control the disease on GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/how-to-control-the-disease/

21/08/2026

Planning a water adventure this summer? Check your buoyancy aid hasn't been recalled before you set off.

Some buoyancy aids have been recalled as they may not provide the expected level of buoyancy, increasing the risk of drowning.

Check our product recalls: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?keywords=%22+buoyancy+aid%22

21/08/2026

With the warm weather continuing, Trading Standards teams across the UK are seeing a rise in doorstep scams, from cold callers offering to fix "loose roof tiles" to jet washing and driveway cleaning services that end in inflated, sky high bills.

It's a reminder of why choosing a Buy With Confidence approved trader matters. Our traders are vetted, monitored and committed to fair, honest service, so you can say yes to the work you need, and no to the pressure tactics.

A few reminders to help you stay safe:

✅ Never agree to work from an unsolicited cold caller
✅ Always get at least two written quotes before agreeing to anything
✅ Never pay the full amount upfront
✅ If you feel pressured or unsure, stop and seek advice before signing anything

Search our directory of approved traders before you book any work and sweep the risk of rogue traders out of the picture: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

21/08/2026

You may have seen recent news about an investigation into a Salmonella outbreak. This is potentially linked to imported eggs used mainly by food service businesses like restaurants and cafes, rather than eggs sold for home use.

If you're preparing eggs at home, our guidance has not changed. Eggs which are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically remain safe to eat. If you handle eggs or egg packaging, wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

Some people are more vulnerable to Salmonella than others. This includes young children, pregnant people, older people and people with underlying health conditions (e.g. cancer, diabetes, liver or kidney disease).

Thanks to improved safety controls in the UK egg industry, if you’re in one of these groups, you can safely eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs, or foods containing them, if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain assurance scheme.

When eating out, if you’re more vulnerable to Salmonella illness, make sure any eggs you eat are thoroughly cooked, as they may not be British Lion mark or Laid in Britain assured.

Find out more about Salmonella, including how to reduce the risk at home or when eating out: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/salmonella/salmonella

21/08/2026

🚨 Be aware of Winter Fuel Payment scams 🚨

We're seeing reports of fake Winter Fuel Payment messages circulating. These messages may ask you to click a link, confirm your details, or act urgently.

Remember: most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not ask for your bank details by text message.

✅ Don't click links in unexpected messages
✅ Never share personal or financial information
✅ Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 to help stop scams spreading

Not sure if a message is genuine? Check it safely using Ask Silver.

🔗 www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ask-silver