Beware of deals that seem “too good to be true”. Criminals may advertise low prices for popular items that are sold out everywhere else to trick you into parting with your money. Often, the goods advertised don’t exist, with images taken from genuine sellers to convince you otherwise.

Fraudsters create fake websites that impersonate big brands, so always double-check the URL and watch out for unexpected requests for your personal information.

Before making any purchases, read online reviews to check the seller is genuine. It’s important that you use a secure method when making payments. Where possible use a credit card when buying something over £100 and up to £30,000 - as you receive extra protection, known as Section 75. Paying by debit card also offers some protection as you can request a ‘chargeback’ if you don’t receive something you have paid for. 

Avoid bank transfers and ‘buy now, pay later’ offers as these methods do not offer the same protection as credit and debit cards.

When extreme weather hits the county, legitimate traders are in high demand and this can sometimes mean that rogue traders look to cash in on those affected by flood damage.

If your property has been affected by storms, stay alert to rogue traders:

• Never engage with cold callers knocking on your door or who call out of the blue
• Be wary of using traders recommended on social media
• Choose a trader that is part of the Trusted Trader Scheme
• Get 3 quotes from different and independently sourced traders
• Be careful of online reviews as these may not be genuine

If you need to report a rogue trader, you can do this by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. You can also contact them for advice prior to entering into a contract to purchase goods or services.

Did you know that 60% of electric blankets have the potential to cause deadly housefires in Nottinghamshire? 

In October, our Trading Standards officers worked with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to offer residents free electric blanket safety tests. Of the 282 electric blankets tested, 170 of these were found to be unsafe. The age of blankets was the biggest factor in those that failed, and some were found to be more than 50 years old. All the blankets that failed safety tests were exchanged for free, for new electric blankets that meet current safety standards.

If you use an electric blanket make sure you check it regularly. If the electric blanket (or its flex) shows any of these ten danger signs it needs to be checked by a qualified electrician or replaced:

1. Scorch marks
2. Fraying fabric
3. Exposed elements
4. Creasing or folding
5. Soiling
6. Damp patches
7. Tie tapes damaged or missing
8. Worn flex
9. Loose connections
10. An old BEAB safety mark (a round symbol) – this means it is more than ten years old.

Even without any of these warning signs, it is recommended that electric blankets are replaced every ten years. If in doubt, throw it out!

Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but there are some unwelcome guests who follow the festive season - predatory loan sharks.

These illegal moneylenders charge extortionate rates of interest and may threaten significant harm to borrowers if they can’t make their repayments. Borrowing from loan sharks can quickly lead to a spiral of debt that's difficult to break free from. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to spot loan sharks. They can take many guises and operate in a variety of ways.

If you, or someone you know has been affected by illegal money lending, you can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline in confidence on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our website also contains lots of information about support that is available if you're struggling with the cost of living.

Christmas really is a magical time of the year, especially for kids. To make sure your Christmas is one to remember for all the right reasons, we’ve got some important advice for you on toy safety. 

Making sure you only buy from reputable retailers is one of the most important things when it comes to buying toys.

Look out for fake toys when shopping online. Compare the toy’s price with other online sellers and remember, if it’s a fraction of the cost, it’s likely to be counterfeit.

It’s also important to be age aware. Toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions so check these and make sure they are suitable for the age of the child that will be playing with them. Look out for a UKCA or CE safety mark as well, as one of these must be included on all toys sold in this country.

Finally, be aware of toys with small parts as these could come detached and be a choking hazard.

E-bike and e-scooter battery fires are on the rise and have already resulted in deaths. They use large lithium-ion batteries, which can explode, causing ferocious fires if they are unsafe. Follow these steps to reduce fire risks and keep you and your neighbours safe: 

• Only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a reputable UK shop and check any product reviews.
• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters.
• Not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger.
• Don’t leave your battery charging unattended or while you are sleeping and always unplug it when fully charged. Always charge in a safe place without blocking exits, and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging.
• Never attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

Criminals send fake text messages in the hope you are waiting for a parcel to arrive. They want you to click on links which could download malware to your device and steal your information.

Instead of clicking the link, log into your account directly to update or check your delivery. 

If you receive a scam text message report it by forwarding it to 7726.