Middlesbrough Trading Standards

08/09/2026

🚨Scam Alert - Halifax 🚨

A scam email claiming to be from Halifax tells you that you need to confirm your personal information and provides a link to do this.

Following this link will take you to a website impersonating Halifax which will steal your personal information as you enter it in.

Scam emails can be reported by forwarding them to [email protected] and websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.

07/09/2026

Product Recall: Macroom Buffalo Cheese Mozzarella and Macroom Buffalo Cheese Bocconcini

Macroom Buffalo Cheese Products is recalling Macroom Buffalo Cheese Mozzarella and Macroom Buffalo Cheese Bocconcini because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the products.

Product Details
Macroom Buffalo Cheese Mozzarella
Pack size: 125 g
Use by date: 07 September 2026

Macroom Buffalo Cheese Bocconcini
Pack size: 160 g
Use by date: 07 September 2026

CheesesMozzarella

Risk statement
The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products listed above. Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis. Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

Actions taken by the company
Macroom Buffalo Cheese Products is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

Our advice to consumers
If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to where you bought them from for a full refund.

03/09/2026

⚠Scam Awareness Post - Online Purchases ⚠

We have recently received a complaint from a consumer who purchased a cooling fan online through PayPal for £59.99.

However, when the order confirmation arrived, additional items had been added to the order, including an extra fan and an extended warranty, increasing the total cost to £146.83.

The consumer contacted the company via email to cancel the order but was informed that it had already been dispatched and could not be cancelled. They were advised that the items could be returned instead.

When the goods arrived, they were described as cheap, flimsy, poor quality and not worth the price paid. The consumer paid £15.00 to return the items, but despite proof of return and repeated contact with the trader, no refund was provided.

A complaint was raised via Paypal and a partial refund was given however Paypal have raised a dispute for the remaining amount.

A direct debit had also been set up by the company without the consumers agreement for £83.26 which on this occasion has been refunded by the bank.

✅ How to protect yourself when shopping online:

• Research the seller before purchasing and check independent reviews.

• Be cautious of websites offering deals that seem too good to be true.

• Carefully review your basket and order confirmation before payment.

• Check your bank and PayPal accounts regularly for unexpected transactions.

• Use payment methods that offer buyer protection.

• Report unauthorised payments to your bank immediately.

If you believe you have been a victim of an online shopping scam, report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or online at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/

02/09/2026

Asda have published the following product recall on ladies handbags.

Please return to store for a full refund.

Product Recall: Ladies Handbags

28/08/2026

Product Recall: Apeks XL4, XL4+ and Ocea Regulator Second Stages

Type
Personal protective equipment (PPE) - Environmental Respiratory Protection - Non-Powered

Brand
Apeks

Models
XL4, XL4+ and Ocea

Affected serial number range
Between 250402212 and 260402893

Manufacturing period of affected products
April 2025 to April 2026

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Product description
Apeks-branded scuba diving breathing devices

Diving Breathing Devices

Affected part numbers and product descriptions
CPN: RS118113
SAP: 726036
Description: XL4 2nd STAGE WHITE

CPN: RG124121
SAP: 726012
Description: XL4 OCEA REG YUCCA YOKE

CPN: RG124122
SAP: 726012
Description: XL4 OCEA REG GREY YOKE

CPN: RG124123
SAP: 726012
Description: XL4 OCEA REG YUCCA DIN

CPN: RG124124
SAP: 726012
Description: XL4 OCEA REG GREY DIN

CPN: RS118123
SAP: no SAP / discontinued
Description: XL4 OCEA 2nd STAGE MINT

CPN: RS118118
SAP: no SAP / discontinued
Description: XL4 OCEA 2nd STG GRY

CPN: RS118119
SAP: no SAP / discontinued
Description: XL4 OCEA 2nd STG OCTOPUS

CPN: RS118120
SAP: 726038
Description: OCTO XL4 OCEA

CPN: RQ117115
SAP: 726024
Description: STG 3 XL4 OCEA YUC YOKE

CPN: RQ117116
SAP: 726024
Description: STG 3 XL4 OCEA GRY YOKE

CPN: RQ117117
SAP: 726024
Description: STG 3 XL4 OCEA YUC DIN

CPN: RQ117118
SAP: 726024
Description: STG 3 XL4 OCEA GRY DIN

CPN: RT111122
SAP: 726049
Description: XL4+ REGULATOR YOKE

CPN: RT111121
SAP: 726049
Description: XL4+ REGULATOR DIN

CPN: RS118122
SAP: 726039
Description: XL4+ OCTO 2nd STAGE

CPN: RQ117120
SAP: 726025
Description: XL4+ STAGE3 YOKE

CPN: RQ117119
SAP: 726025
Description: XL4+ STAGE3 DIN

Hazard
The product presents a risk of asphyxiation as a manufacturing defect in the second-stage spindle assembly can restrict the flow of breathing gas at depths exceeding 45 metres. The regulator may not deliver sufficient breathing gas when required, posing a risk of inadequate air supply to the diver at depth.

The products do not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment.

Corrective action
The affected products have been recalled from end users.

Owners are advised to stop using the regulator immediately if it falls within the affected serial number range and return it to their place of purchase or an authorised Apeks service centre. You can find your nearest authorised Apeks service centre using the store locater: https://uk.apeksdiving.com/pages/store-locator

Affected regulators will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired free of charge by qualified technicians using approved Apeks replacement components. There is no charge for the inspection, repair or shipping.

For further details, please access the Apeks recall page at the following link: https://uk.apeksdiving.com/pages/recall-information-xl4-xl4-ocea

Use our store locator to find the nearest shop where you can buy our products. Apeks diving gear is trusted for the world's most challenging dive environments.

27/08/2026

⚠ Scam Awareness - International Fifa World Cup Online Lottery ⚠

A consumer in our area has received a letter from the above company stating they have been approved the winner for a lump sum pay out of Nine Hundred Thousand Pounds and that they were selected through a computer ballot system from over 390,000,000 individuals worldwide.

It states in the letter that this information must be kept away from public to avoid unwarranted abuse of the program or fraudulent acts from criminal minded and unauthorized person(s)

Contact details are provided within the letter in order for you to begin your claim and it states a deadline as to when the claims need to be made by otherwise the entire fund will be returned to the Int'l Board of Internal Revenue as unclaimed. It also states if there are any changes to your personal information then you need to inform your claims agent as soon as possible.

If you have received letters similar to this one or require advice, then please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service. You can also report the matter to Report Fraud the UK's national reporting centre for fraud.

💬 Consumer Advice & Support
For free, independent advice on your rights or help with a dispute, contact Citizens Advice:
🌐 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
📞 Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133

🚨Report Fraud
🌐https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
📞 Telephone: 0300 123 2040
Relay UK - if you can't hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 0300 123 2050

27/08/2026

Product Recall: Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad

Tesco is recalling Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad 215g, because of possible contamination with E. coli (STEC).

Product Details
Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad
Pack size: 215 g
Use by: 25 August 2026 26 August 2026 27 August 2026
Tesco Salad Pot

Risk statement
The possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli STEC in the product listed above.

Symptoms caused by STEC organisms include severe diarrhoea with or without blood in the stool, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.

Actions taken by the company
Tesco is recalling the above product and has issued a recall notice to alert customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice via the full notice below.

Our advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. For further information, please visit Tesco's customer services at: tesco.com/help/contact

26/08/2026

Safety Report: Teashow 6V Battery Charger for Children's E-Bikes (sold via Amazon)

Product
Teashow 6V Battery Charger for Children's E-Bikes - Sold via Amazon

Type
Electrical appliances and equipment - Chargers

Brand
Teashow

Manufacturer
Pinghu Fulihua Electric Appliance Factory

Model
FLH-D0605

ASIN
B0DZ2PMWND

Barcode
X0028ZRFN3

Listing name
6V Battery Charger for Kids Electric Quad Bikes, 6V Charger for Ride on Toys, Car Universal Power Adapter with LED Indicator for Childs Electric Car, Motorcycle, Quad Bike, Sports Car

Country of origin
China

Product Description
6V charger supplied for charging children's e-bikes
EBike Battery Charger

Hazard
The product presents a high risk of electric shock and fire because it has inadequate insulation between the primary and secondary circuits. Internal examination identified creepage and clearance distances of less than 1.0 mm within the transformer, significantly below the minimum required distances, and the product failed the electric strength test.

Poor internal construction was also identified, including inadequately secured wiring and poor soldering, which could result in a short circuit and fire. As a result, users could receive an electric shock from accessible parts or the product could overheat and catch fire.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.

Corrective action
Owners are advised to stop using the product. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.

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

26/08/2026

*Scam Alert - Royal Mail*

A scam email impersonating Royal Mail tells you that your parcel hasn’t arrived due to a ‘customs duty payment’ you are required to pay.

You’re then given a link to follow to make this payment, but the link will lead to a site designed to steal your personal information.

You can report scam emails by forwarding them to [email protected] and websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.

25/08/2026

👤 Someone you've never met starts messaging you online. They seem friendly. They share your interests. They want to be your friend. But are they really who they say they are?

Criminals often hide behind fake profiles to gain trust and gather personal information. Staying safe starts with being cautious about who you connect with online.

Join Young Friends Against Scams and learn how to spot the warning signs, stay safe online, and help others do the same.Sign up now: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/young-friends