Milton Keynes Council Trading Standards

21/08/2026

A temporary ban on single use disposable BBQs is in place. If you notice a shop that is still selling single use disposable BBQ's, then please let us know via the Consumer Helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133. Please see this link for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statutory-guidelines-on-disposable-bbqs

12/08/2026

From fake investment opportunities to convincing impersonation scams, fraudsters are constantly adapting their tactics to target the public. To help people stay one step ahead, the National Crime Agency has launched Fraud Explained, a new video campaign highlighting some of the UK's most prevalent fraud threats and the simple actions people can take to protect themselves.

The campaign will run over the next 10 weeks, releasing videos fortnightly covering Romance Fraud, Phishing, Impersonation Fraud, Investment Fraud and Payment Diversion Fraud.

The first video below focuses on Romance Fraud, offering practical advice to help people recognise the warning signs and avoid becoming a victim.

Romance fraud can happen to anyone. In this short explainer video f...

31/07/2026

We received a report yesterday about a door to door bed & mattress seller. Our advice is not to deal at the doorstep, ask cold callers to leave and not to return. Please report any concerns to us on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Police warn people to be "extra vigilant" and to say "no" to cold callers.

30/07/2026

Cybercrime can impact anyone. 💻⚠️ Friends Against Scams
If you or someone you know has been targeted, follow these steps and read our factsheet for more detailed guidance:📄 www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/site-media/484316894/pdf

🚨
Please be aware: if you have been a victim of cybercrime or fraud, you may be targeted again by individuals or companies claiming they can recover your lost funds, often for an upfront fee. This is known as recovery fraud and is itself a scam. No legitimate organisation will guarantee the recovery of lost funds or charge a fee to do so. If you are approached in this way:
❌ Do not pay
📢 Report it to Report Fraud

22/07/2026

🚨Friends Against Scams are working with The Cyber Helpline to help raise awareness of cybercrime and the support available to victims🚨

The Cyber Helpline is a UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals and sole traders affected by cybercrime, digital fraud and online harm. Through its free 24/7 self-help service and confidential guidance from volunteer cybersecurity experts, they help people respond to and recover from cyber attacks.

As online scams and cyber threats continue to increase, access to trusted information and support has never been more important.

Find out more about staying safe online and where to seek help if you are affected by cybercrime: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/site-media/484316894/pdf

07/07/2026

🛡️ Did you know your bank may offer extra security features to help protect you from scams?
From transaction limits and trusted contacts to call verification and location-based security, there are practical steps that could reduce the risk of fraud and give you greater peace of mind.
If you or someone you care about is worried about scams, contact your bank and ask what protections are available. Every bank offers different features, so it's worth finding out what's available on your account.
☎️ If you ever receive a suspicious call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call 159 to verify whether it's genuine.

More info: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scam-protection-steps-you-can-take


26/06/2026

⚠️ Product Recall for Squeezy Dumplings.

The product presents a serious chemical risk because the outer layer contains an excess concentration of benzene. If inhaled, benzene can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Exposure to large amounts may also cause a burning feeling throughout the digestive tract and skin irritation. Improvements are also required to product labelling and marking.

The products have been recalled from customers by Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd.

Anyone with this product should stop using it immediately and keep it out of reach of children. ⚠️

For more information, please visit: [email protected]

Further information regarding benzene can be found on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benzene-general-information-incident-management-and-toxicology/benzene-general-information

https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-squeezy-dumplings-2606-0196

17/06/2026

⚠️ Public Safety Warning – “Squishy Buns” Toys ⚠️🚨
Milton Keynes City Council Trading Standards Team is urging parents and carers to be aware of a growing social media craze involving “Squishy Buns”, “Steamed Dumplings” , “Squeezy gel-filled Dumplings” and other similar "Squishy or Gel-filled" toys. 🥟🧈
These products are being sold in some convenience stores, markets, and online marketplaces.
Investigations have found that some of these toys may not meet essential UK safety standards and can contain dangerous levels of toxic chemicals, including benzene, which may pose serious health risks.
☑️ Before buying or allowing children to use these products, check that they:
• Have clear permanent labelling
• Show the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer
• Include a batch/model number
• Display CE or UKCA safety markings
• Contain safety warnings and instructions in English
• Include age warnings where applicable (such as “Not suitable for children under 3”)

28/11/2025

🚀 Introducing the Friends Against Scams App.

Stay safe from scams by:

✅ Taking training to learn to spot doorstep, mail, and telephone fraud✅ Using Ask Silver to check if a website or message is legitimate
📱Download on Android and Apple today