A trial project to install call blockers in the homes of vulnerable residents has been hailed a success after preventing over 1,000 scam phone calls over 12 weeks.

Coventry Trading Standards were participants in the national trial project to help protect vulnerable residents from scam and unwanted telephone calls while letting friends, family and legitimate callers through with a call blocking device.

The device protects individuals from being identified and becoming the victims of telephone scams.

Read the full article and information about how to apply for the next trial.

Back to top

A Coventry man has been ordered to pay over £15,000 after a court heard how he agreed to sell people’s scrap or broken down vehicles but often failed to hand over any payment.

The court had heard how Trading Standards officers from Coventry had investigated complaints from consumers over a large area from Kent to Derbyshire who had all agreed to sell their old vehicles, but they were either not paid or were given a payment which was much less than agreed. 

Read the full story.

Back to top

A Westward Heath resident has reported being the recipient of a scam email message which appears to have come from Western Union and claims they are one of seven beneficiaries approved to receive the sum of $1,500,000 USD from the on-going UN Poverty Alleviation Programme.

Initially, the recipient is asked to provide full name, address and phone contact information. However, those who initiate a dialogue with the scammers will no doubt be subsequently asked for fees to cover expenses associated with the transfer of the money.

This is a typical advance fee scam and the criminals will send out many thousands of identical messages in the hope of tricking at least a few recipients into believing that they are the beneficiary of a large sum of money.

If you see one of these e mails, do not respond - even in jest. If you do, your email account will be added to a list of respondents and you will begin to receive even more. 

Back to top

ASDA is recalling its Asda 4 Vegetarian Vegetable Burgers with a ‘best before’ date of 6 April 2017 because the products may contain pieces of hard green plastic.

Product: Asda 4 Vegetarian Vegetable Burgers

Pack size: 454g

Best Before Date: 6 April 2017

Barcode: 505478108284

Advice: If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the nearest Asda store for a full refund or call Asda customer relations 0800 952 0101.

Back to top

Waitrose is recalling its Duchy Organic Spiced Carrot and Parsnip Soup.

A small number of packs have been incorrectly filled with Waitrose Duchy Organic Chicken and Spelt Broth, and therefore contains gluten and celery which are not mentioned on the label.

This makes the product a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to wheat (gluten) or celery.

Product: Waitrose Duchy Organic Spiced Carrot and Parsnip Soup

Pack size: 600g

Use By date: 1 July 2016

Risk:  Allergen: Celery and wheat (gluten)

Advice: If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to wheat (gluten) or celery, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where you bought it for a full refund

Back to top