Shetland Trading Standards

23/03/2026

📣 Young Friends Against Scams have released refreshed resources for schools and youth groups:
📊 Training PowerPoints
🎯 Games & activities
🏫 Assembly presentations
📚 30 & 60 minute lesson plans

Sign up to access👉 www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scamchampions

11/03/2026

It’s not that people don’t care. It’s that no one really talks about it.

Used v**es chucked in general recycling or waste cause fires in bin lorries and recycling centres.

Most places now have v**e recycling drop-off points: supermarkets, v**e shops, council sites. Follow the link to find your nearest v**e recycling point.

Recycling yours could make it normal for everyone else.

https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/how-to-recycle-electronics/what-electronics-can-be-recycled/recycle-v**es/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/my-safety-using-and-disposing-of-v**es

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06/03/2026

⚠️ Warning: Recruitment scams targeting young people are rising ahead of Easter.

Fraudsters are advertising fake jobs on social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp, promising flexible hours and quick money. In reality, they are trying to obtain personal information, bank details, or even upfront payments for fake 'work from home equipment'.

Some victims are also unknowingly recruited as “money mules”, moving money through their bank accounts for criminals.

Our advice is simple:
🔎 Research the company offering the job
💰 Be wary of roles promising easy money
🚫 Never let someone use your bank account to move money

Katherine Hart, CTSI Lead Officer for Doorstep Crime, said: “Scams can affect anyone at any age, but the rise in ‘quick cash’ job advertisements targeting students and young people is extremely concerning. I’m particularly worried about fake adverts that may harvest personal data and expose people to identity theft, but I’m equally alarmed by the risk of individuals being unknowingly recruited into criminal activity".

If you think you have been targeted, stop contact immediately and report it.

Consumers who believe they have encountered one of these scams are urged to contact one of the following: in England and Wales, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. In Scotland, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000. In Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

Read out full release here: https://ow.ly/Us2q50Ypxls

24/02/2026

Buying from online marketplaces can be a convenient way to find what you need. And with a few simple checks, it can be safer too:

✅ Check the seller – their name, location, and how long they’ve been selling
✅ Read reviews – look for detailed comments, not just star ratings
✅ Check product details – look for instructions, warnings, and what it’s made from
✅ Look for trusted safety marks – like UKCA or CE
✅ Check for recalls – search ‘product recalls’ on GOV.UK

You don’t need to be an expert to shop safely online.
You just need to know what to look for.

https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/my-safety-online-shopping

11/12/2025

If you have an integrated heat pump tumble dryer sold under one of the following brand names - Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Lamona, Iberna or Montpellier - it may need an urgent safety repair because of the risk of fire.

• Stop using the appliance immediately and unplug it if possible.

• Check the model and serial number online - the official links at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/urgent-safety-check-for-85000-tumble-dryers will enable you to that.

• Contact the manufacturer to arrange a repair.

⚠️85,000 tumble dryers still at risk of fire. Affected brands include: Candy, Baumatic, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Lamona, Iberna, Montpellier. Check yours now.
An internal short circuit can occur during normal use, causing your tumble dryer to ignite and start a fire in your home.
It takes a few minutes to check if yours is affected. Find your model and serial number, and either check online or contact the manufacturer to see if your appliance needs a free repair.
Do not use your tumble dryer until the repair is complete. Unplug it if possible. ⚠️

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/urgent-safety-check-for-85000-tumble-dryers

11/12/2025

An important safety warning about ‘baby sleep pillow’ products.

⚠️OPSS has issued a Safety Alert for baby sleep pillows following child fatalities in the UK and overseas.⚠️

The alert identifies the products as pillows or cushions for babies to sleep – or be placed – on unsupervised. Risks to the baby include suffocation and overheating which can lead to injury or, in some cases, death.

Parents and carers are urged not to use these products for babies under 12 months old or to place them in a cot or crib. If the product was marketed for baby sleep or to be used unattended, parents and carers should contact the business directly to discuss redress.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/safety-alert-issued-for-baby-sleep-pillows

24/11/2025

A new development from the National Trading Standards Scams Team.

🚀 Introducing the Friends Against Scams App.

We are excited to announce the launch of our new tool designed to help you stay safe from scams.

With the Friends Against Scams app, you can:

✅ Take interactive training to learn to spot doorstep, mail, and telephone fraud.
✅ Use Ask Silver to check if a website is legitimate.
✅ Use Ask Silver to verify if a message might be a scam.

📱Search Friends Against Scams in your app store today.

Available on both Apple and Android.

17/10/2025

🎆 Planning to use fireworks at home?

If you're aged 18 or over, you're legally allowed to buy fireworks for private use, but safety comes first. Make sure you have enough garden space to use them responsibly and keep everyone (including pets!) safe.

🔗 For full guidance, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/my-safety-fireworks

16/10/2025

As you stock up on costumes, decorations and spooky gadgets, take a moment to shop smart:

🔍 Look for safety signs: CE/UKCA markings, instructions, and manufacturer details matter.
🔥 Watch out for fire risks: Costumes and lights should meet fire safety standards.
⚡ Be cautious with electrics: Non-compliant chargers and lights can be dangerous, check for overheating warnings.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/consumer-product-safety-advice-for-staying-safe

12/10/2025

If you get a text about the "Winter Fuel Payment" or the "Winter Fuel Allowance", it is a scam.

Winter Fuel Payments are automatic, you do not need to do anything.

Report suspicious texts at: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

15/08/2025

⚠️Dispose of used button batteries as soon as you can.
🚨 They can still badly hurt your child.
🔒 Store securely until you can recycle them.

For more information visit:

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/child-safety-small-hazards-big-harm