From emails claiming to be from the National Crime Agency to cold calls about dangerous chemicals, here are the scams to watch out for in Norfolk this month. 

Doorstep cold callers

Norfolk Trading Standards has warned people to be aware of cold callers claiming they can see issues with roofs.

During an incident in Thetford a man called at a property and told the homeowner that they could quote for repairs that he claimed would be needed.

Cold callers in the Eaton, Unthank Road and Newmarket Road areas of Norwich have been trying to sell household products.

The same scam has been reported in Wymondham, Poringland, Brooke and Ditchingham. 

In one incident this week the callers claimed to be selling items for a well-known national charity that supports ex-services personnel.

Threatening emails

There has been an increase in reports of emails claiming to be from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

These state that the recipient has viewed child pornography or other illegal pornographic content and demand that they respond within a specified deadline.

The email warns that otherwise a warrant will be issued for their arrest and their details will be added to the sex offenders register.

The purpose of the email is to trick the victim into responding to the sender and disclosing personal information that could be used for blackmail or to commit fraud. 

The scammers may demand money at a later stage. 

READ MORE: £50,000 worth of vehicles stolen from Norfolk business

Telephone cold calls

Cold callers have targeted people in Norfolk by claiming they need to arrange to inspect their property's insulation as 'there is a one in 16 chance it contains dangerous chemicals'.

Another caller said they could offer 'free Government-backed loft insulation' and tried to arrange an appointment with an 'insulation expert'. 

Investment scams

Norfolk Trading Standards has received reports of people falling victim to online investment scams, which can result in losses of several thousand pounds. 

The organisation advises that people understand a cryptocurrency or investment before transferring any money.

Cryptocurrencies only exist online and are not controlled by a bank. 

Fake police officers

There has been an increased number of reports of people claiming to be police officers.

Victims in Fakenham and Dereham have received phone calls from a man claiming to be a detective and warning that someone has been trying to use their bank cards.

The caller is trying to gain the victim's banking information. 

Norfolk Police has asked people to ensure that any vulnerable friends and family are aware of how these scams operate.