On 1 October the law changed as new consumer rights came into force. Trading Standards offers advice and assistance to Coventry businesses to ensure that they continue to give their customers a good and fair deal.

The new consumer rights include:

• A new 30-day time limit for consumers to “reject” faulty goods and receive a refund
• Businesses will only have one attempt to repair or replace faulty goods
• Brand new provisions for “digital content”, bringing consumer law up-to-date
• Claims and promises made during discussions with consumers about services (e.g. home improvements) will be contractually binding on businesses

These are the biggest changes to consumer rights in a generation and some businesses may find it tricky to know all the ins and outs of the new laws, so we want to help our local businesses where we can to make sure that they are able to maintain their reputation and give their customers a fair deal.

Detailed guidance is available on our website. Coventry businesses with specific queries can phone the dedicated Trading Standards Business Advice Line: 024 7683 3333.

Know your New Rights is the theme of National Consumer Week which runs from 2-6 November, aimed at empowering consumers to shop with confidence.

Coventry shoppers who feel they have been denied their rights can receive initial advice from Trading Standards’ partner body, the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06, or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk. Cases needing more detailed advice, intervention or investigation are referred to Trading Standards for action.

Most people will be aware of the recent cyber attack that Talk Talk, the phone and broadband provider, suffered after their website was hacked. 

Vodafone, the mobile phone company, has also recently announced that hackers may have stolen the personal details of up to 2,000 mobile phone customers.  

According to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, this could have resulted in some of the details of over 4 million customers being accessed including:

• Name and addresses
• Dates of birth
• Email addresses
• Telephone numbers
• Talk Talk account information

As a result, criminals may take the opportunity to contact people claiming to be from Talk Talk or Vodafone.

Protect yourself

• Be wary of any emails claiming to be from Talk Talk or Vodafone asking for additional information such as passwords even if they are able to tell you specific account details – this is most likely a phishing email and sent to gain access to your account.
• If you have opened an email attachment, change the passwords for all your bank, email and online shopping accounts.
• As well as email, be wary of any telephone calls claiming to be from Talk Talk or Vodafone that ask for additional information or want to gain remote access to your computer. Again, they may tell you specific details about your account. If you get such a call, do not give any details. Terminate the call and use a separate telephone line/mobile phone and call Talk Talk/Vodafone back on one of their known numbers to ascertain if the call is genuine.
• Monitor your bank accounts for any unusual activity that you believe may be fraudulent.

If you think you have been a victim of this type of email you should report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre: www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Glenisk is recalling selected batches of its Granola Yogurt due to the detection of a low level of peanut. Peanut is not declared on the packaging. 

The following lines are affected:

Description: Glenisk Organic 0% Fat Yogurt with Granola - 145g

• Flavour: Honey - Barcode: 5099749002951. Use by dates: 27/10; 10/11;   23/11; 30/11
• Flavour: Natural - Barcode: 5099749002937. Use by dates: 27/10; 10/11;   30/11  

Consumers who are allergic or intolerant to peanuts and who have consumed any of the affected products should seek advice. Customers in possession of an affected product, and who are concerned that they may be allergic to peanuts, are asked to return it to the shop where it was purchased for a full refund.

For further information, contact Glenisk: 00353 57 9344000 or email: info@glenisk.com

SuperValu is recalling the following batches of product as the granola contains low levels of peanut which is not contained in the ingredient listing. This may make the implicated batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic or intolerant to peanuts.

• SuperValu Natural Yogurt with Granola 145g with Use by Dates: 27/10, 10/11, 30/11
• SuperValu Strawberry Yogurt with Granola 145g with Use by Dates: 27/10, 10/11, 30/11

If you have purchased these products with the Use By Dates identified, do not consume, but return to the point of purchase for a full refund.

In the event of any queries please contact our Customer Services on 02890787199.

Russell Hobbs has identified a defect on a small batch of their white plastic 850ml travel kettles, model number 14178. The defect may cause the switch in the handle to overheat and in certain circumstances could result in a fire.

The model number can be found on the underside of the kettle within a rectangular shaped label that also contains a five digit batch code.

If you have a model 14178 kettle then you will also need to check the batch code, the location of which is shown in the diagram to the right.

If the first three digits of the batch code start with the number 280 up to 365 and end in 14, or the first three digits start with the number 001 up to 240 and end in 15, then you have an affected kettle.

If you have a affected kettle, please stop using it immediately. 

Please visit Russell Hobbs website at: russellhobbs.co.uk/product-info or contact their customer service departments:

UK: Freephone landline and mobile: 0808 168 4499

You will then be advised on how to return your kettle for an alternative model or a full refund of the purchase price.

In a recent Press Release - Doorstep Scammers pose as Trading Standards Officers issued last week we made reference to the Age UK Coventry Trusted Traders scheme for anyone needing work to be carried out on their properties. 

Unfortunately the telephone number quoted missed the final number off.

The telephone number for Trusted Traders is 024 7643 3982.

Trusted Traders is a partnership between Age UK Coventry and Coventry Trading Standards.

For more information please visit:www.coventry.gov.uk/roguetraders