Coventry Trading Standards is again warning Apple Store users to be aware of phishing emails attempting to steal your Apple ID log in details as well as personal and financial information.

A Westwood resident reported receiving an authentic looking email ‘invoice’ from the Apple Store in regards to an order that was placed. At the end of the email, there is a link to ‘View Your Order’.

If you click on this link, you will no doubt be taken to a fake server and a page asking you to provide personal information, including full credit/debit card details.

Criminals can then steal any information that you supply and use it to hijack your Apple account, commit credit card fraud in your name, and attempt to steal your identity.

The Apple Store will never ask you to provide personal details (such as passwords or credit card numbers) via email.

If you do have a genuine Apple account, you can check it with Apple directly, but do not use any links in the email. Just type the site's address into your browser.

If you receive what you think is a phishing email claiming to be from Apple you can forward it to them. Full details are available on the Apple website. 

Back to Top

A local resident has reported receiving an email claiming to be from HMRC that claims that the agency has recalculated their last fiscal activity and determined that they are eligible to receive a tax refund of £684.97.

Similar to the above warning, the fake HMRC email advises that you have to click on a link to complete and submit the refund form. This will take you to a fraudulent website that asks you to supply your name, address, and contact details along with other identifying information. The fake HMRC site also asks you to supply your credit card numbers. Supposedly, all of this information is required to allow the processing of your refund claim.

In reality, the information you supply will be collected by scammers and used to commit fraud and steal your identity.

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

Do not visit the website contained within the email or disclose any personal or payment information.

Our advice is to delete this or any other similar messages.

Back to Top

After national reports in the press this week where bank customers have been targeted by a ‘smishing’ scam, including a man from Coventry, Trading Standards is advising all residents to be on their guard.

Smishing messages (SMS + fishing) usually contain a phony telephone number to call or link to a counterfeit website that will ask you to enter personal details or transfer money as your account is at risk. They can also ask you to call or text a premium-rate number they have created to run up a large bill.

In the reports this week, three customers of the same bank received text messages to say that there had been unusual activity on their accounts and given a phone number to call.

When called, the people were convinced to give access to their online banking which generated a security code, which was then used to siphon money from accounts.

‘Take Five’ is a new campaign by Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK) designed to tackle financial fraud and is the first national campaign to be backed by all the major banks and other financial service providers across the UK. 

You can protect yourself from financial fraud by remembering some simple advice: 

1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full password - it’s never okay to reveal these details.
2. Don’t assume an email request or caller is genuine - people aren’t always who they say they are.
3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine bank or organisation won’t mind waiting to give you time to stop and think.
4. Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it is usually right to pause and question it.
5. Stay in control – have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for information.

With financial fraud getting ever more sophisticated, anyone can be targeted and incidents are on the increase. Trading Standards advise to always be cautious with any unsolicited approaches.

Back to Top

The following notice has been issued by the retailer:

The Halfords website is hosting the following information from Avocet Sports Ltd.

As the distributors of the Rooster BMX range, it has come to our attention in the last few days that a small proportion of bikes may potentially have the incorrect stem fitted.

We take safety very seriously so as a precaution we are sending out a new stem and locking nut for your recent bicycle purchase.

Models potentially affected are:

• Rooster XR2
• Rooster XR3
• Rooster XR5
• Rooster XR6

In the next few days you will receive these parts along with full instructions and all necessary tools.

If, however, you feel like you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact our customer care team on 0161 727 8508 (option 2 for warranty) or email  us at warranty@avocetsports.com. We will of course be more than happy to assist in any way we can.

We ask that in the meantime you please refrain from using your bicycle.

Back to Top

The following notice has been issued by the retailer:

Novelty cat leggings

Kimball 86503

Through our ongoing due-diligence programme it has come to our attention that the Novelty Cat Leggings detailed above does not meet the Primark usual high standards for safety. We have found a potential issue with the security of the bow attachment within the product that may become detached and present a potential choking hazard. With the safety of our customers at the forefront of our minds we are inviting you to return this item for a full refund.

The product was on sale in our UK stores from 8 November 2016 up to 22 February 2017.

If you have purchased this product then please return it to any Primark store where you will be offered a full refund. You will not be required to provide proof of purchase.

Back to Top