Many people who receive nuisance calls at home may have already taken the steps of registering with the Telephone Preference Service or bought a call blocking device. But what can be done about sales calls that come to your mobile?

Thankfully ‘Which?’ have come up with some quick and easy steps you can take to minimise unwelcome calls to your smartphone.

Mobile phones offer the ability to block calls but the method varies depending on your phones platform [iOS or Android] – how to stop nuisance calls on mobiles.

Which? also has a guide on how to spot and stop spam texts as well.

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From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA as it is being computerised. The counterpart was introduced to display driving licence details that could not be included on the photocard such as the vehicle categories you are entitled to drive and any endorsements or penalty points.

Motorists going abroad after 8th June and intending on hiring a car may need to obtain a special code beforehand which will show convictions for offences such as speeding.

The code will only be valid for 72 hours, so many people will have to generate a code whilst they are away. As well as being obtainable online, there will also be a telephone number.

However, the code is not an official requirement and it will depend on the individual hire company's terms whether or not it is required. Just as some car hire companies do not currently ask for a counterpart, not all will ask for a code after 8 June.

General advice at this time is to still take the paper counterpart with you but be prepared to obtain a code if requested.

To view a record of convictions, motorists can log on to view my driving licence page of the government website. You will need your driving licence number, national insurance number and postcode.

Remember, the code is totally Free and ONLY available from DVLA through the www.gov.uk website. Watch out for any copycat sites that might appear high on Google searches that offer the code but at a price.

Please note, this does not affect photocard licences issued by DVA in Northern Ireland.

More information about driving licence changes.

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We are reissuing this warning (originally issued 31 May 2013) following a report from a local business who received a letter from a German based firm asking for a form to be completed to include their VAT registration number in a directory.  

It is headed: ‘Publication of companies and VAT Registration Numbers in the UK Corporate Portal 2015’.

The letter suggests that due to new EU legislation the information has to be provided but if business owners complete and return the form they will be liable for £797 per year for the next three years.

Our understanding is that if you pay, all you will get is a business entry in an online advertising register.

Our advice: ignore the letter and to be vigilant when receiving any requests for information from an organisation unknown to you.

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The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) launched an awareness campaign last week warning consumers of the risks posed by fake beauty products. 

Counterfeit beauty products such as make up, perfume, electrical hair products and sun-creams in particular are becoming increasingly common and easily available on auction sites, online market places, rogue websites and social media.

Laboratory tests have shown counterfeit perfume often contains poisonous chemicals including cyanide and even human urine. Fake cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, lip-gloss and foundation have been found to contain toxic levels of chemicals and harmful substances such as; arsenic, mercury and lead. All of these can cause allergic reactions as well as leaving the consumer with longer term health problems.

In the last 18 months, PIPCU has suspended more than 5,500 websites selling fake luxury branded goods as well as seizing more than £3.5 million worth of fake goods.

For more information visit the City of London website.

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This is because it may contain foreign bodies which represent a choking hazard and a public health risk for those consuming the product.

• Product details: Best before end: 10 April 2016
• Size: 700g. Batch code: 10.04.16 L1228

Advice: If you have bought the above product, do not consume it. Instead, return it to the store where it was purchased from for a refund.

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