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In this issue:
There is currently a nationwide scam advising residents by email that they have paid too much Council Tax and are due a refund. The email includes a false link from HMRC to complete a form.
We have had reports that some Coventry residents are in receipt of this scam email.
Do not click on the link contained within the email and delete this or any other similar messages and never disclose any personal or payment information.
HMRC also advise that if any details are inadvertently disclosed, contact them immediately on security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
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We have again received local reports of 'copycat' Blue Badge websites charging £49 for a badge.
The websites ask for bank details, as well as other personal information, without having the authority to issue a Blue Badge.
A Blue Badge allows the user to park in certain designated areas closer to amenities such as shops.
The official Blue Badge costs £10 and you can find more information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply or renew your Blue Badge on the Coventry City Council website.
We would remind residents to only use the official www.gov.uk website for any government service such as renewing driving licences, European health insurance cards or passports rather than search engines that often display copycat sites.
Residents are advised to report websites that they suspect of being copycats to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.
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Trading Standards is encouraging residents to register household appliances and help ensure the safety of their home and family.
Thursday 24 January was Register My Appliance Day, a national campaign encouraging people to ensure they notify manufacturers when they have purchased white goods including fridge freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.
Registering appliances is important for many reasons. If products are faulty and may need to be recalled the manufacturer can get in contact with the owner of the appliance easily, helping to prevent potential fires.
Registering new appliances also ensures that warranties are valid and details can be sent about potential warranty extensions or product upgrades.
Taking a few minutes on www.registermyappliance.org.uk to register appliances and ensure your address details are correct really can help to save lives.
For details of recalled products consumers can look at: productrecall.campaign.gov.uk.
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As of 9 January 2019, companies that make unsolicited phone calls to people about their pensions will be liable to enforcement action, including fines of up to £500,000.
The ban has been introduced in a bid to prevent people falling victim to cold calling scams that can lead to them losing their life savings.
As many as eight scam calls take place every second - or a massive 250,000,000 calls a year – according to research from the Money Advice Service. Victims of pension scams can lose their life savings and be left facing retirement with limited income.
According to the Financial Conduct Authority, pension fraudsters stole on average £91,000 per victim in 2018.
If you receive a cold call about your pension, get any information you can, such as the company name or phone number, and report it to the Information Commissioner’s Office via their website or on 0303 123 1113.
If you have been a victim of this type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling them on 0300 123 2040 or by using their online fraud reporting tool.
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Sainsbury’s is recalling its ‘Deliciously Free From Garlic Pizza Bread’ because it contains milk which is not mentioned on the label.
This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.
Best before: 27 January 2019
Pack Size: 160g
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to milk, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
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For
more information on scams, visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/scams
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