From free electric toothbrushes to driveway repairs, here are the scams to watch out for in Norfolk this month. 

Fake Cost of Living payment messages

Trading Standards has warned people in Norfolk to be aware of messages relating to Cost of Living payments. 

Scammers are known to be targeting those who will be receiving £300 from the government between October and November. 

Those eligible for the payments will not need to apply and will not be asked for details by text or email. 

READ MORE: Next shop assistant fined just £80 for clothing refunds scam

Fake DVLA emails

Some people in Norfolk have been receiving fake communications that claim to be from the DVLA. 

These messages include statements such as "our records show that you are not up to date with your current vehicle tax" or "your vehicle is not permitted to legally be on the road".

The emails contain a link that takes victims to a fake version of the DVLA website. 

Emails offering 'free electric toothbrushes' 

There have been more than 10,000 reports of messages promising "free Oral-B electric toothbrushes".

The emails usually impersonate well-known retailers such as Boots and claim the recipient will receive their free toothbrush if they follow the links in the message and complete a feedback form. 

Employment scam messages

People in Norfolk should be aware of scam messages offering fake employment opportunities.

These are usually sent by text or WhatsApp and involve a scammer impersonating an HR recruiter. 

Personal information is requested in the form of a CV or questionnaire and fees may be requested to cover administration or travel costs. 

Fake loans

Scammers are targeting people by offering loans at very low-interest rates.

These offers may be sent by email and request an upfront payment in the form of a deposit, administrative fee or insurance. 

Scammers will put pressure on the victim for the fee to be paid quickly via bank transfer. 

Driveway repairs

Doorstep cold callers have been reported across Norfolk offering driveway repairs.

Two males were seen in Downham Market with a yellow Icevo tipper truck offering to lay gravel.

Another man was seen in Diss approaching a business to claim he had leftover tarmac from another job which he offered to lay. 

It is possible that these cold callers could move on to other areas in the county, quoting an initial price for their services but increasing this dramatically once the work has started.

Fake cryptocurrency exchanges

People are falling victim to online investment scams which range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds. 

Trading Standards has advised that those involved in these exchanges should have a good understanding of cryptocurrency and the investment before transferring any money.