Numerous Coventry residents have reported receiving an email alleging to have come from HMRC and explaining that they are due Council Tax refunds.

The email includes a false link from HMRC to complete a form in which personal information is asked for, including bank details.

HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate by email, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email. They would certainly not be involved with any Coventry City Council Tax payments.  

Do not click on any link contained within the email or disclose any personal or payment information.

Read more about the Council Tax team's warning.

If you have received an HMRC related phishing/bogus email, please forward it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it.

Take a look at the HMRC guidance.

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Coventry Trading Standards are warning the public to be wary of bogus telephone calls referring to compensation for overpaid bank charges.

The advice follows a report of a resident in Westward Heath who received a phone call from a man claiming they were due a large refund under a new Government Directive due to banks overcharging on  fees.

Thankfully, the resident did not give any of the personal information that was requested and hung up.

No doubt had the conversation continued, the resident would have been asked for 'fees' to facilitate this refund.

Be very wary if you are asked to pay an upfront fee for anything that you have not asked for.

Never agree to send money or give out any personal or bank details.

If payment is requested by way of a voucher, be aware that many electronic payment vouchers are untraceable and irrecoverable, making them highly attractive payment methods to fraudsters. Treat them and use them as you would use cash.

The Financial Ombudsman Service can provide advice on bank charge claims. Visit: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or call 0800 0234567.

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Bonfire night is an exciting time of year for children, young people and adults alike. Unfortunately around this time every year, a large majority of children and adults are injured in accidents where candles or fireworks have set fire to their clothes, hair or even their hands.

In a bid to reduce these types of incidents, Coventry Trading Standards suggests that residents forget the back garden fireworks and instead get out and enjoy fireworks safely at an organised display.

However, if you cannot attend an organised event, Trading Standards offer the following advice when purchasing fireworks:

• Don’t cut corners just to save a few pounds.
• Always buy fireworks from a reputable seller and ensure they conform to British Standards. This means they should have BS 7114 written on the box.
• Some shops may open for a short time before Bonfire Night but these may still not meet British Standards – check first.
• It is illegal to sell fireworks out in the open. Whatever you do, do not be tempted to buy cheap fireworks from places such as the back of a van, unauthorised market stalls or car boot sales.

If anyone witnesses fireworks being sold in this way, we would ask that this is reported  to Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.

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Gower Brewing Limited is recalling four types of beer as their labels do not declare the presence of wheat malt. This makes the products a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten

Product: Gower Gold (Golden Ale)
Pack size: 500ml bottles & cask
Batch Details: All dates up to and including Best Before End July 2017     

Product: Gower Power (IPA)
Pack size: 500ml bottles & cask
Batch Details: All dates up to and including Best Before End July 2017     

Product: Lighthouse (Lager)
Pack size: 500ml and 330ml bottles & cask
Batch Details: All dates up to and including Best Before End July 2017     

Product: Black Diamond (Porter)
Pack size: 500ml bottles & cask
Batch Details: All dates up to and including Best Before End July 2017.

Risk: Allergen: Wheat (gluten)

Advice: If you have purchased these products and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten do not consume it. Instead return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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