Category: Alerts

Trading Standards – Be Aware of DVLA Scams

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Fake emails purporting to be from DVLA are being used to lure people into giving away their bank details.

The latest dodgy DVLA email tries to create a sense of urgency with the subject line: ‘Vehicle Tax Status – Unpaid!’ and uses the Gov.uk logo to appear genuine. The email goes on to say:

‘Dear [your email address]. Your bank has declined twice the latest Direct Debit payment. If you will not update your information, your vehicle is no longer taxed.’

The email includes a link, which states: ‘In order to continue to the payment page please use the following link.’

If you click on this link, malware could be downloaded onto your device, or you may be taken to a website that asks for your personal data.

Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.

If you have actually been the victim of a trader or scam such as the above and need help, or you require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133

Trading Standards – TV Licensing Scams

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Fake emails purporting to be from TV Licensing are being used to lure people into giving away their bank details.

Scammers are sending fake emails using the official TV Licensing logo. The first email encourages the recipient to update their direct debit details.

In a second dodgy ‘TV Licensing email, scammers tempt recipients into clicking on a link and giving away their bank details under the guise of claiming a refund.

The email reads: ‘You are eligible to receive a tv license refund but due to invalid records, we were unable to credit your account. Please submit the request and allow us 5-7 days to process it.’

The URL included in the email starts with www.tvlicensing.co.uk (the official TV Licensing website) but also includes ‘.cs.update.your.licence’ followed by a series of random letters.

TV Licensing confirmed that these emails are not genuine. It said genuine emails and letters are personalised to include information such as your name, part of your postcode or your licence number.

Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.
If you have actually been the victim of a trader or scam such as the above and need help, or you require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133

 

Trading Standards – Electrical Safety Concerns

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As the colder months arrive and the cost of living continues to increase, charity Electrical Safety First have warned about the risks of unsafe and incorrect use of electrical, portable heaters.

Although electric heaters were not inherently dangerous, they could cause devastating fires if not used with care. Fan heaters pose a greater risk in the home.

Electrical Safety First is urging people using heaters to ensure:

  • the device is on a level surface, well away from anything or anyone that could knock it over
  • it is well away from combustible materials, such as paper, furniture or curtains
  • it is never used to dry clothes
  • it is never left unattended for long periods while in use, or while you are asleep
  • extension leads are not used to power a heater as they can easily be overloaded
  • you regularly inspect your heater for damage and deterioration

For further information and advice from Electrical Safety First, please visit:

Electrical Safety First – The UK’s Electrical Safety Experts

For the full article raising awareness of this issue please visit:
Cost of living: Electric heaters may pose fire risks despite savings – BBC News

Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.
If you have actually been the victim of a trader or scam such as the above and need help, or you require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133

Trading Standards Alert – Scams & Doorstep Crime

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Sometimes criminals impersonate Trading Standards Officers to carry out fraud or facilitate a scam.

We would never ask you for money, ask you to draw money out, or ask you for your PIN.

If you need to check the identity of a Trading Standards Officer – please call Croydon Trading Standards on 020 8407 1311.

If you have actually been the victim of a scam and need help, or you require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133. Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.