|
In this issue:
Coventry Trading Standards is warning residents to be on their guard after reports of unsolicited phone calls from traders offering appointments to conduct loft insulation surveys and making claim to be working with the City Council.
The reports have come from the Broad Lane and Binley areas of the City.
In one report, after an appointment having been booked, and being allowed access to the loft space, allegations were made of a wasp’s nest and squirrels having been found, both of which were untrue.
The resident was then subjected to high pressure selling for new insulation, and advised a quick decision had to be made. Thankfully the resident declined and managed to get rid of the salesperson.
Trading Standards urge residents, especially elderly or vulnerable people, to be aware of such calls. Our advice is not to buy or commit to anything based on a cold call.
If residents would like support or advice to making your home more energy efficient, contact the Affordable Warmth Team on energy.matters@coventry.gov.uk or by telephone: 024 7697 1854
Top of page
|
Trading Standards have received a report from the Hillfields area in regards to 5 males going door to door trying to sell rugs and duvets from a white van!
In previous similar reports from other areas the sellers are described as being pushy and forceful.
Trading Standards advise never to purchase items if approached in this manner.
There is a high possibility that the items being sold are low-quality or even stolen.
Top of page
|
Trading Standards have had information from the Police regarding a distraction burglary offence that happened in the Fenside area of the City involving a vulnerable resident.
The resident was persuaded to purchase compost from the boot of a car after being told a nursery in Kenilworth was closing.
The male then offered to carry it in and the resident later realised money was missing from the house.
Burglars won't go to the trouble of breaking in if they can just knock and be invited in. So always be on your guard when anyone you're not expecting - a man, a woman or even a child - turns up at your door.
This time of the year often sees an increase in the number of people reporting doorstep scammers generally as they target householders planning improvements to their homes or gardens.
Trading Standards advise never to agree to let any cold-callers carry out any work, and certainly do not agree to buy anything from them. Always do your research before buying goods and services.
Anyone who needs to get work done should use a reputable tradesman and make sure that they get an estimate before any work is carried out.
Top of page
|
 |
Trading Standards have received a report from the Westwood Heath area of Coventry about the above fake email purporting to come from TV Licensing.
It warns that your TV licence couldn’t be automatically renewed because something went wrong with your direct debit payments.
It then urges you to set up a new direct debit by following a link which is fake.
The aim of the email is to steal customers bank account and personal details.
In the space of a year, Action Fraud has reported receiving more than 900 reports of losses due to the phishing email and says it’s continuing to see the scam in high numbers. Losses so far amount to somewhere in the region of £830,000.
How to protect yourself from the TV Licensing scam:
- Don’t assume an email or phone call is genuine, even if it includes some of your basic information such as your name or address. Criminals can spoof email addresses so it looks like a legitimate organisation is contacting you.
- If you get an email promising a refund, always be suspicious and don’t rush to click a link. Search the organisation and ‘refund’ in a search engine and see if there are any reported scams.
- Don’t click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages which ask for personal details.
Top of page
The following safety advice for consumers for Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 – September 2015 has been issued ..
Consumers affected by a Whirlpool safety issue, who still have unmodified tumble dryers, have been told to unplug them immediately and seek a free modification.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has repeated its safety advice to people who may have one of the estimated 500,000 Whirlpool tumble dryers still to undergo modification.
Following a recent review by OPSS, consumers whose Whirlpool tumble dryers have been modified can continue to use them safely, according to the instructions. However, those with an unmodified, affected tumble dryer have been told to unplug them and not use until they have been modified, free of charge, by Whirlpool.
OPSS has published specific requirements for Whirlpool to act on and the investigation is ongoing.
All consumers should always follow manufacturers’ instructions, including thoroughly and regularly clearing out the lint tray of tumble dryers.
Whirlpool’s affected brands are: Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan, Proline. For further information, please contact Whirlpool or visit the brands’ websites.
Consumers should always be vigilant and register appliances at Register My Appliance to ensure they receive updates on product modifications and recalls.
Read the full report.
Top of page
For
more information on scams, visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/scams
|
