Unfortunately, scammers are always looking for new opportunities.

We are eager to warn people of a current scam, which has already been widely reported, relating to the 2021 census. Scammers are reportedly knocking on doors informing residents that they have missed the deadline for the census or their census wasn’t received and are demanding lump sums of money up to £1,000 as a ‘fine’. In some cases, scammers are also sending phishing texts and emails.

They are targeting the elderly and vulnerable in particular.

The Census 2021 website states that Census officers may visit to offer help if you’re yet to complete the questionnaire. They may also visit to make sure that everyone has been counted. They will identify themselves as being from the ONS and carry an official ID badge. Census staff will never ask to enter the property. The ONS Census 2021 team can be contacted by telephone free on 0800 141 2021.

Please know that you will never be approached in person or over the phone by the ONS (The Office for National Statistics) regarding any kind of payment or fine relating to your census return.  If you have any concerns please see Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 for up-to-date guidance on preventing scams and assist any vulnerable people you feel may be at risk of being scammed. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to such a scam, please report it immediately.

Advocacy for All is totally independent of statutory organisations and all other service delivery and is free from conflict of interest. AfA’s culture supports Advocates to promote their independence with individuals, professionals, and other stakeholders.

Please refer here for guidance on when and how to make a referral.

The Key amendments supported by the Government are:

• Introducing a specific non-fatal strangulation offence
• Criminalising threats to share intimate images
• Including post-separation abuse in the controlling and coercive behaviour offence

The Domestic Abuse Bill, 31/03/2021 is available here for reference.

HMCTS telephone numbers used by tax criminals

An increasing number of concerned individuals are contacting offices across Her Majesty Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) following emails or phone calls by criminals.

They mimic legitimate phone numbers (spoofing) and may allege that you owe HMRC money and that a warrant for your arrest has been issued. Please take a look at this site for advice.

Council crackdown on fake face mask exemption badges 

Hundreds of unlawful eBay listings for so-called face mask exemption badges have been removed following a crackdown by Sutton Trading Standards.

The listings posed a serious risk to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and their removal is part of Sutton Council’s on-going efforts to ensure the health and safety of residents. Click here to read more