Scam Alerts and News from Coventry Trading Standards - 11 December 2015

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Scam Alerts and News from Coventry Trading Standards - 11 December 2015

In this issue:

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Your Christmas shopping rights

Which!

Like it or not, Christmas is nearly upon us, and more people are now choosing to do their shopping on-line but how much do you know about your rights when buying from a shop or via the Internet?

This year we have teamed up with ‘Which?’ the Consumer Group who have a dedicated Consumer Rights webpage that provides help to consumers getting to know their consumer rights, the Regulations and the Laws surrounding these, and how to take action to resolve everyday problems.

Visit their website and read about your rights when Christmas shopping – whether buying online or dealing with faulty products bought from a shop.

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Don’t get conned this Christmas

Action Fraud

Whilst the Internet has brought more convenience, choice and the time to plan, relax and enjoy yourself at Christmas, it is also a favourite time of year for criminals, well aware that you’re busy online and have too many other things on your mind to think about safeguarding yourself, your family and your finances.

This year, make sure you don’t get conned out of Christmas, by thinking twice before you click and taking some simple precautions. That way, you can make sure it’s a festive season to remember … for all the right reasons.

Top ten tips for a safe and happy festive season online.

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Food safety at Christmas

Turkey

Christmas is a busy time of the year, so get food safety wrapped up by preparing and planning your Christmas meals. The Food Standards Agency has lots of advice available at: www.food.gov.uk/christmas including food safety tips, a checklist and meal planner.

Our top five turkey tips for a happy healthy Christmas:

1.    To prevent cross-contamination, ensure that you store raw turkey and other raw food (e.g. meat, poultry, fish, shellfish and vegetables) separately from cooked and ready to eat food, covered and chilled on the bottom shelf of the fridge. To make room for the turkey and other perishable foods why not move the beer, wine, and some unopened jars to the shed or garden?

2.    If you are using a frozen turkey, make sure you check how long it will take to defrost safely.

3.    To prevent the spread of food poisoning germs like campylobacter, make sure that you wash everything that has touched your raw turkey (e.g. hands, utensils and work surfaces) with soap and hot water.

4.    Don’t wash your raw turkey under the kitchen tap as this can splash germs around your kitchen.

5.    Make sure you allow time for your turkey to cook. Check it’s cooked thoroughly - there should be no pink meat in the thickest parts and it should be steaming hot with juices running clear.

Further information can be found on our Environmental Health colleague’s website.

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Mobility Aid companies warning

Disabled

Trading Standards are warning elderly residents and their carers to be on their guard against mobility companies after an incident in Allesley Park.

Despite having clear notices on the door and being registered with the Telephone Preference Service, the resident was still contacted by a company trying to sell Mobility Aids such as bathroom adaptations.

We are therefore highlighting some of the tactics that have been reported in the past which some Mobility Aid Firms have used including: 

Using databases that can be bought identifying people who are over a certain age and who may also be disabled.

Calling unannounced by phone or in person to try to arrange an appointment to discuss certain mobility aids.

Failing to provide any information about the firm which means you can’t contact them to cancel any arrangements.

Ignoring clearly displayed ‘no cold calling’ stickers or illegally phoning people registered with the Telephone Preference Service.

Other tactics that may be used:

Stating that a health survey is being carried out.

Mentioning or implying they are calling from or associated with Social Services or the hospital.

Suggesting that a hospital or other service has passed on the consumer's details to arrange a visit.

These are just some of the tactics used to get through the door.  Once inside the consumer can be subjected to hours of high pressure sales pitch for items which may not be suitable for a person’s needs or are initially offered at very inflated prices which are progressively reduced in order to try and get a deal.

Remember, some mobility aids may be available free of charge from the Council – click here for more information on what is available.

Also remember – When doing business on your doorstep you have a 14 day cooling off period.

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Recall: Air Runner Self Balancing Boards sold at Halfords

Halfords Hoverboard

Last week we highlighted the issue of unsafe Hoverboards that had been seized at UK ports - Thousands of unsafe 'hoverboards' detained over past seven weeks.

This week Halfords have issued the following Notice relating to their Air Runner Self Balancing Boards - (190375 / 192470 / 192488)

We have identified that 152 Air Runner Balance Boards (black and white versions) are not fully compliant with British Standards, and could also potentially pose a fire risk. This affects products with the above serial numbers only, with no others affected.

Whilst no accidents have been reported from customers who bought their Air Runner Balance Board from Halfords we are updating our guidance on the risk and urging customers not to use the product and return it with the mains plug and charger to their local Halfords shop, where they will receive a full refund.

Customers who have a query should contact Halfords Customer Support team on: 0345 504 53 53.

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Advice on buying Hoverboards / self-balancing scooters

Hover

If you are thinking about going back to the future and buying a hoverboard this Christmas then there are a few things to consider.

Please see our website for more information.

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SafetyRecall: ‘Incy Wincy Spider Childrens Book’ sold at Sainsbury's

Sainsbury Book

Sainsbury’s supplier has brought to their attention that the above book [EAN 7748060 / Batch Apr-Dec 2015] may have a problem with the front cover touch and feel section coming away from the book over time.

As a precautionary measure, they are asking customers who have purchased these products to return them to their nearest Sainsbury’s store, where they will receive a full refund.

No other products are affected by this issue.

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Trading Standards business news Winter 2015

Centsa

The latest issue of Trading Standards Business News, a digital publication bringing businesses the latest regulation changes and best practice is now online. In the Winter edition we look at Christmas food safety, exporting products abroad and much more.

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For more information on scams, visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/scams

How to report scams