If you need Consumer Advice over the festive period the Citizens' Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 will be open during the following times:

• Monday 19 December – 9am-5pm
• Tuesday 20 December – 9am-5pm
• Wednesday 21 December – 9am-5pm
• Thursday 22 December – 9am-5pm
• Friday 23 December – 9am-5pm
• Monday 26 December – Closed
• Tuesday 27 December – Closed
• Wednesday 28 December – 9am-5pm
• Thursday 29 December – 9am-5pm
• Friday 29 December – 9am-5pm
• Monday 2 January – Closed
• Tuesday 3 January – 9am-5pm

Their online reporting form is also available throughout this period, but please remember the forms will only be actioned during their opening hours.

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CoventryTrading Standards are warning about ‘very realistic’ letters claiming to be from Lloyds Bank.

The letters, which use the customers name, replicate the Lloyds Bank template including appropriate logos, customer service address and is signed by a customer service representative, tell recipients that some ‘unusual transactions on your personal current account’ have been detected. The letter then provides a contact number to ‘confirm these transactions are genuine’.

The letters are not genuine and anyone calling the number will find an automated welcome message claiming to be Lloyds Bank which then asks the caller to give their card number, account number, sort code and date of birth. The automated system then asks for the first and third digits of your security number. In a number of cases it has been reported that the system then claims not to recognise these numbers and then asks for the second and forth digits of your security code.

This phishing scam again shows that everyone need to remain on their guard to unexpected approaches, especially any claiming to notify of issues with financial accounts. Anyone can be susceptible to phishing scams including many in the US Government as has recently come to light!

If you are ever suspicious about any contact or correspondence claiming to be from a bank contact them directly via the customer services on the number given on your bank card. NEVER use numbers sent to you in emails, text messages or by letter.

If you receive one of these letters please dispose of it securely.

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Property fraud is where fraudsters try to steal a property, most commonly by stealing the homeowner’s identity and selling or mortgaging the property without their knowledge. They then disappear with the money leaving the true owner to deal with the consequences

Properties most at risk are those which are:

• Empty
• Rented out
• Mortgage free

The free property alert service offered by the Land Registry helps people detect fraudulent activity on their property(s) by sending email alerts when the Land Registry receives certain applications to change the register or for official searches. At this point the person monitoring the property can decide whether the activity is suspicious and whether they need further advice. Anyone can monitor up to 10 properties through this service.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of property fraud:

•  Ensure your property is registered with the Land Registry, and keep your contact details up to date.
• Use the Free Land Registry Property Alert Service

For more information on the Property Alert Service telephone – 0300 006 0478

Further information on property fraud advice is available from: www.gov.uk/propertyfraud

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Coventry Trading Standards is issuing a warning about a scam email claiming to be from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

This warning comes after reports from several City Council employees who had all received this email through their work email.

The fraudulent email states that the recipient has an outstanding vehicle tax refund due and directs you to a ‘Refund Now’ link.

If you click on this link you are  taken to a fake Gov.UK webpage where full personal information including name and address details, DOB, bank account details and debit card details with security code is requested.

DVLA has confirmed that it has not sent any such email and anyone who has received it should not click on any links contained within the email and delete it immediately.

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Lidl UK is recalling two batches of Kania Gravy Granules (Meat and Chicken) because of contamination with a chemical contaminant known as xylene.

Risk: Exposure to xylene in food products represents a health risk as it can cause adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The contaminant levels in this product exceed those set to minimise this risk and the product is therefore being recalled as a precaution.

Product: Kania Gravy Granules for Meat
Brand name: Kania
Best before end: October 2017, November 2017
Pack size: 300g

Product: Kania Gravy Granules for Chicken
Brand name: Kania
Best before end: October 2017, November 2017
Pack size: 300g

Advice: If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to a Lidl UK store for a full refund.

Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Customer Services on 0370 444 1234

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