Mappleborough Green News

IF YOU HAVE ANY ITEMS YOU THINK OF INTEREST TO THE RESIDENTS OF MAPPLEBOROUGH GREEN, PLEASE EMAIL OR POST DETAILS TO THE PARISH CLERK AT

38 Redstone Close
Church Hill North
Redditch
Worcs
B98 9AE

COMMUNITY FORUMS

Community Forums for the Henley & Studley areas are open to the general public at which they can raise matters of concern to them. Prior to the meetings, the Police hold Safer Neighbourhood Team Surgeries.

Provisional dates for the Community Forums being held 2011/2012 are as follows:

Thursday 22 March 2012, 7.00pm - Studley Youth Centre

All starting 7.00pm - Safe Neighbourhood Team surgery 6.30pm

If you have an issue you wish to raise for future Community Forums please contact Warwickshire County Council Stratford Area Office on 01789-290784. Agendas and Reports on the Forums can be downloaded from clicking on the link to Warwickshire County Council website and follow the 'Community Forum' headings in the side menu.

If you have any matters of concern relating to Mappleborough Green please contact one of the Parish Councillors or Parish Clerk.

QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE 4th JUNE 2012

Please let the Parish Council know if you are running an event(s) in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Parish Council is interested to know what events are taking place locally and will aim to advertise as many as possible on our website and on noticeboards locally.

Speed Review

A recent SpeedAware Campaign was conducted in the Parish, for a copy of the report or for more details please contact the Parish Clerk.

DOG WASTE BIN – PRATTS LANE/A435 JUNCTION and HAYE LANE

Following a number of complaints by local residents relating to the incidence of dogs being allowed to foul the road and sidings in Pratts and Haye Lane, the Parish Council have purchased a number of extra waste bins specifically for the disposal of dog mess by the dogs owners or walkers.

Please ensure that the bin is utilised as intended and we would like to remind everybody that it is an offence to allow your dog to foul the public areas in Mappleborough Green without the owner removing the waste. We would appreciate both the support and compliance of local dog owners; we also urge those who witness incidences of non-compliance to advise the Parish Council.

THE FOULING OF LAND BY DOGS (DISTRICT OF STRATFORD-ON-AVON) ORDER 2009

THIS ORDER COMES INTO FORCE ON 1st APRIL 2009

IT WILL BE AN 'OFFENCE' NOT TO COLLECT DOG WASTE

A PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF AN 'OFFENCE' WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FIXED PENALTY FINE

Does not apply to a person who is registered as a blind person or with a disability which affects their mobility

FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE "ORDER" VISIT www.stratford.gov.uk/community/community-182.cfm where details of the 'Order' can be downloaded

STUDLEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Studley Community Library is looking for volunteers to assist with running the Library which opens in Studley Village Hall early next year.

If you are interested and willing to be a volunteer or require any further information please contact :
Studley Parish Council on 01527 853204
or email: info@studleyparishcouncil.org.uk

Keep warm, keep well this winter

As winter approaches, health and social care services in Warwickshire are reminding residents of ways they can keep warm and well and help vulnerable and elderly people to do the same.
This winter, local partners including NHS Warwickshire, Warwickshire County and all District Councils, Act on Energy, voluntary organisations and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service are once again joining together to establish a Warm and Well campaign to support residents through the cold season.
As part of Warwickshire’s Warm and Well campaign, a free phoneline – 0800 988 2881 – provided by Act on Energy, will be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to offer information on reducing fuel bills, affordable warmth, what to do if heating systems break down and debt advice.

Nuisance Dogs

It has been brought to the attention of Stratford District Council that there has been an increase in dog on dog attacks across the district as well as dog fouling incidents.

LATEST SCAM ALERTS - BEWARE

There has been an increase in the number of scams reported by Warwickshire Trading Standards - these are the latest scams to be aware of:-

Bogus Caller/Insulation Hard Sell
Warwickshire Trading Standards has received a complaint that an elderly lady living in Nuneaton received an unexpected visit from someone that claimed to be selling insulation. The caller insisted that the insulation work would have to be done and that resident would have to pay. The caller was described as being very threatening. The resident was unable to get the name of the business.
There are a number of companies presently operating across Warwickshire offering loft and cavity wall insulation. Some sell their services door to door or over the phone, others advertise in local newspapers or use flyers.

HMRC Scam
Residents are warned to beware of a new bogus HMRC 'tax rebate' email. The emails carry attachments and a request for personal and financial details which have to be completed and sent before the 'cheque' is issued. Warwickshire Trading Standards warn that these are phishing emails sent by criminal gangs with the sole purpose of stealing your personal and financial information.
There is no tax rebate and no money will be sent. Avoid opening phishing emails or any attachments they may contain. Never follow a link in a phishing email - delete them.

Clairvoyant or Psychic Scams
Warwickshire Trading Standards has received a number of complaints recently about clairvoyant or psychic scam letters. All such letters operate in the same way, offering the receiver 'magic objects', lottery number predictions and 'guaranteed' rewards etc. in return for a small one off payment of £20 - £30. Some requests for payment are backed with 'occult threats' of 'future evil' for those failing to respond. Whilst most recipients will consider such letters to be complete nonsense, a small number of very vulnerable people each year do fall for these scams and in return they receive every more scams through the post and by telephone. Never respond to a clairvoyant or psychic scam letter.

'Microsoft' Scam Telephone Calls Target Business and Consumers
Have you received a phone call from Steve of Microsoft, happy to fix the 'problem' with your computer?
The phone calls are believed to originate from outside the UK and the callers use phone directories and marketing survey information to randomly target the unsuspecting consumer or business – they don’t even know if the recipient has a computer!
The caller asks the computer user to turn on their machine and give them remote access to it, so that the fictitious problem can be rectified.
Giving access to your computer to someone you don't know could lead to your PC becoming infected with viruses and other malware, or your personal or financial information being stolen and used fraudulently. Or you may have software downloaded on to your PC or 'work' done unnecessarily for which you may then be asked for payment.
If you do think there is some thing wrong with your PC contact a local repair service and go on recommendation.
For information on how to protect your PC from viruses etc. visit: www.getsafeonline.org.

Loan Scam
Warwickshire Trading Standards is warning consumers seeking loans to beware of unexpected/unsolicited approaches from 'businesses' offering these sorts of services.
A consumer who was looking for a loan on-line received a phone call unexpectedly from someone who claimed he was eligible for a loan of £1500.
The 'trader' requested that the consumer first send a payment of £155 via a voucher payment system to cover the first month's repayment. This the consumer did, but was subsequently asked for a further £450 in several payments over a short period of time, all of which the consumer again sent, using the voucher system.
The trader then claimed that the vouchers were invalid and that the consumer's credit history was not good. The consumer was then asked form a further £170 which he refused to send.
At no time did the consumer receive his £1500 loan.
This is an increasingly widespread scam, largely perpetrated by criminal gangs and often from abroad. Consumers, however difficult they may be finding it to obtain a loan, should never agree to such approaches or send money. This is a scam and no loans are ever provided.
Advice on credit and debt is available from: National Debtline - www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/, Citizens Advice Bureau - www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/money_management_index_ew.htm, Financial Services Authority - www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/yourmoney/.

Can You Help Us to Clamp Down on Bogus Charity Bags?
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is launching a bid to clamp down on bogus charity clothing collections (bags) – and they need your help.
Trading Standards Officers are concerned that some householders may be duped in to donating their unwanted clothing and bric-a-brac to private traders when they thought they were giving to a registered charity. Many private traders now collect unwanted items using collection bags left on the doorstep. These items are then sold for profit either in the UK or abroad. Whilst some traders clearly state they are private businesses, Trading Standards Officers are concerned that many private trader bags blur the distinction between what is 'for profit' and what is for charity.
This is because some traders claim that your donations will benefit 'good causes', but it is never clear to what extent, if at all, this is. Some bags also carry bogus 'business numbers' which some consumers mistake for genuine registered charity numbers.
Warwickshire Trading Standards Officers want to investigate these types of bags and are calling on Warwickshire residents to help.
Householders can either post their bags (or flyers) to us, or scan them in and email them (in both cases, please inform us where they were delivered)

Rogue Traders Follow Genuine Contractors Warning
Rogue door to door traders offering poor quality tarmac work are following genuine Warwickshire County Council contractors, the county’s Trading Standards Service is warning.
Genuine County Council contractors carrying out legitimate road repair work have reported being trailed by rogue tarmac gangs, who then go on to door knock householders and claim to be working for the Council. These rogue gangs usually claim the tarmac is 'left over' and offer the resident or business the opportunity to have their driveway re-surfaced. These rogue traders are very friendly and plausible, but work is generally carried out to a very poor standard. 'Left over' tarmac has usually started to set, so trying to lay it at this stage will give a dry and crumbly finish. All too often householders report their drive surface has started to crumble or crack and weeds begun to appear within a couple of weeks. Although initially seeming like a cheap way of getting a driveway improved, the final price is often higher than the householder was quoted. The rogues generally demand cash payment as soon as the work is finished with no proper receipt or guarantee being given.

Driveway Sealant Warning
Warwickshire Trading Standards has today been alerted to the activities of a door to door trader offering to clean and 'seal' driveways and roofs. Two elderly people in the Nuneaton area paid several hundred pounds to have their driveways cleaned and 'sealed' against weed growth. When first completed the driveways looked clean and tidy, but weeds began to appear very quickly and the residents now suspect that the driveways were only ever pressure washed with water.
The trader, who claimed to have branches from Birmingham to Manchester, only left a mobile phone number as a contact. He is now proving to be impossible to trace.
Consumers are advised not to agree to work offered by the first person who comes to their door (or posts a leaflet through their letter box). Choose local traders with verifiable names and addresses and where possible go on recommendation.
For more information visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams.

BT Scam
A bogus 'representative' of BT, is making calls claiming that he will disconnect the phone line because of an unpaid bill. He demands payment immediately. In order to demonstrate he is from BT he gives victims a bogus number to call and asks them to call it now, claiming that he will disconnect the line to prevent the call from being made. This he does by staying on the line with his phone mute button pressed, thereby preventing outside calls being made, leaving the victim convinced he has disconnected the line. Do not give any payment details over the phone and immediately contact Warwickshire Trading Standards or your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Solar Energy Warning
With rising energy costs, roof top solar energy installations are becoming increasingly popular projects with many new companies entering the market offering free solar panels and free or reduced cost electricity.
However, Trading Standards Officers have received complaints from consumers who have paid large deposits of £250 for the installation of solar panels to their properties following door to door visits. In these cases, the panels were not fitted and the trader disappeared.
Warwickshire Trading Standards advises residents not to sign up with the first solar panel trader who visits your property, but seek quotes from at least 3 traders and consider the following:

Is the trader local and well established? You can find out how long a limited company has traded for by looking them up at: www.companieshouse.org.uk
Traders that offer free solar panels and free electricity can do so because they will receive income from the generation of electricity (the Feed-in tariff scheme) and from any electricity that you do not use and is exported to the grid. It may be more cost effective for you to buy your own solar panels and receive all the income yourself
If a trader is only offering discounted electricity, as opposed to free electricity, the Energy Saving Trust advise that your savings will be less and you may want to consider if it is really worth going ahead
The amount of money you could save will depend upon when you use electricity. You will save if you run your appliances during the day when it is 'sunny' and you are generating electricity and can benefit from it
Residents should also consider what would happen to the solar panels in the event of a house move and who is responsible for their maintenance and insurance
Research solar panel installations at the Energy Saving Trust: http://tinyurl.com/39gjj8x

Post Targeted in Identity Theft Scam
Warwickshire Trading Standards has received a report that an elderly Warwickshire resident has been targeted by identity thieves.
It is believed that the fraudsters may have used forged utility bills to attempt to have the elderly person's post re-directed to another address from where they could steal it. Had they succeeded, they might then have been able to use his bank statements and other bills to steal his identity and take out loans and mortgages in his name. He might not have been aware of the scam as his post, including correspondence regarding the loan/credit card applications would have been sent to another address. The individual even received a forged letter from 'Royal Mail' designed to put him at his ease.
Checks by Royal Mail helped detect the fraud and no mail was re-directed.
Are you a victim of identify theft? Here are some of the warning signs:

you have lost or had stolen important documents such as your passport or driving licence
post expected from your bank has not arrived or you are receiving no post at all
you identify entries on your personal credit file from organisations you do not normally deal with
items have appeared on your bank or credit-card statements that you do not recognise
you applied for a state benefit but are told that you are already claiming
you receive bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you for goods or services you haven’t asked for
you have been refused a financial service, such as a credit card or a loan, despite having a good credit history
a mobile-phone contract has been set up in your name without your knowledge
you have received letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours
financial institutions that you do not normally deal with contact you to chase an outstanding debt

Legal Services Approach Warning
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received complaints from consumers who received unsolicited (unexpected) telephone calls offering legal services, specifically the offer to set up a Protective Property Trust, which seek to protect a person's assets if they were to enter a care home later in life.
Consumers reported being asked to pay several thousand pounds for these services.
Trading Standards Officers are concerned because the calls (often made to elderly and vulnerable people) are thought to be from unqualified and unregulated individuals and businesses, using pressure selling techniques. Only a tiny fraction of legal services must be provided by a qualified solicitor.
Warwickshire Trading Standards advises consumers to seek expert legal advice before entering in to a legal contract/agreement.
A number of organisations can assist people to access legal information and advice, some free. For more information visit:

Citizens Advice Bureau - www.adviceguide.org.uk
Advice Now - www.advicenow.org.uk
Age UK - www.ageuk.org.uk

Bogus Emergency Services Publication
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is warning local traders to be aware of publication businesses canvassing locally, that falsely claim to represent the fire service and police and request payment for advertisements in a directory. The business is thought to place the listing in the directory without the traders permission and then pester the trader with regular phone calls to try and get them to pay for the ‘advert’. Bogus publishing firms offer advertising in 'safety' type magazines/directories which have little or no circulation and so are useless for advertising.

Bogus Caller Leamington Spa
Warwickshire Trading Standards has had a report of someone cold calling at an elderly person’s house in the Leamington Spa area claiming to be from the council and asking for personal information and information about the property. The person was described as being in his 40’s and driving a silver car.
Householders are warned not to provide any personal or financial information to anyone who cold calls, who ever they claim to be. If you think a caller is genuine, ask to contact him/her’s organisation on a publicly listed telephone number. Do not allow cold callers in to your home.

‘Slamming’ Warning
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received complaints about the practise of ‘slamming’. ‘Slamming’ occurs when consumers are switched from one service provider (such as a gas or telephone company) to another, without their consent. Consumers may be tricked in to switching their provider on the doorstep or have their signature forged, by unscrupulous sales staff working on commission.
The most recent complaints relate to the provision of broadband and telephone services. A consumer contacted the service after being informed by his service provider that they had received notification from him that he was moving to another provider and that they were therefore treating this as a cancellation. The consumer had made no such request to switch!
More information of the practice of ‘slamming’ and details of how consumers can complain is available on the Ofcom (regulator) website, visit: http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/telecoms/sales/unauthorised-change-of-provider-slamming/ If you have been ‘slammed’, take this advice:

Contact your current provider and get them to cancel the unwanted move
If the service has already transferred, ask your original provider to transfer you back to them
If you’re aware of the ‘new’ company involved and want to take the matter further, you should follow their official complaints procedure

Claims Management Concerns
Warwickshire consumers have recently reported increasing numbers of unsolicited telephone calls and text messages from claims management businesses. The callers suggest to consumers that they may be able to claim money back for them as a result of (for example):

Mis-sold payment protection insurance
Mis-sold endowments
Unfair bank charges
Unenforceable consumer credit agreements

Consumers report that the callers are often very persistent, calling again and again (including to those on the telephone preference service) and that they often ask for a wide range of personal or financial information. Claims management companies can ask for large up front fees of up to £500, but there is no guarantee that they will be able to claim back money for you or get a debt written off for example. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service strongly advises consumers not to divulge any personal or financial information to cold callers. The Ministry of Justice further advices that if you think you do have a case, you do not need to use a claims management business to make your claim. Depending on what sort of claim you are making you may be able to make the claim yourself. For claims where you do need expert help, such as claims for personal injury, you can find a solicitor yourself, rather than being referred by a claims management business.
For more information, visit: www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/inspection-and-monitoring/claims-management-regulation/information-for-consumers.htm.

Windows 7 Bogus Claims Scam
The Trading Standards Service has received reports that PC users have been contacted by someone claiming to represent Microsoft (by phone, unsolicited) to say that there is a serious problem with their Windows 7 operating system.
The caller then asks the computer user to turn on their machine so that the fictitious problem can be rectified.
Trading Standards are advising PC users that this is likely to be a scam or similar underhand sales technique, perpetrated by a third party. Microsoft will never make an unsolicited (unexpected call) to fix your computer.
It is possible that these calls are from some one who may want to gain remote access to your PC. Giving access to someone you don't know could lead to your PC becoming infected with viruses and other malware, or your personal or financial information being stolen and used fraudulently. Or you may have software downloaded on to your PC or 'work' done for which you may then be asked for payment.

If you do think there is some thing wrong with your PC contact a local repair service and go on recommendation
For information on how to protect your PC from viruses etc. visit: www.getsafeonline.org
Never allow anyone you don't know or trust to take control of your PC
Never download any software on to your PC if you are not certain what it does, where it comes from and that it is safe
Never give your credit or debit card number to anyone who you receive an unsolicited call from - they could be criminals and could steal your card details

'Air Ambulance' Collection Warning
Warwickshire residents are warned to beware of a clothing collection bag which displays an air ambulance, but which does not appear to be associated with the air ambulance charity.
Warwickshire Trading Standards advise the following: Many charities now ask householders for old clothes and other items, which can be sold for charitable purposes. However, not everyone who comes to your home, or drops in a plastic bag is operating on behalf of a charity. Some collectors will be businesses, asking for unwanted items which can be sold for profit. If householders want to ensure that their donations are going to a genuine charitable cause, they should always look for the charity number which should be printed on the flyer or collection bag. Alternatively they can give direct to charity shops or use clothing banks instead.
To check if a charity name or number is genuine, visit the Charity Commission website: www.charity-commission.gov.uk For Trading Standards information, please visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards.

Bogus Officials Offer Council Tax 'Refunds'
Warwickshire residents are warned to be on their guard against bogus officials offering council tax 'refunds'.The fraudsters operate by ringing or texting residents claiming to be from the local council, valuation office or some other company which deals with changes to Council Tax banding.
They suggest that the resident is due a council tax 'refund'. They will then ask for personal and bank details to allow them to process the 'refund' or provide a telephone number for residents to ring to provide this information. This information can then be used for fraudulent purposes.
Any Warwickshire residents receiving such a contact are advised not to give out any personal or financial information and to end the call as quickly as possible. It has been reported that some callers can get aggressive and ring back if you put the phone down, but this is all part of the scam to make you act as they want.
To report a suspected incident of the scam, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Driveway Scam
Householders in Stratford upon Avon are warned to beware of door to door rogue traders offering ‘sealant’ services for driveways and patios. One consumer paid £200 to have her driveway ‘sealed’. The traders used the householder’s own hose pipe and brushes and made a terrible mess which they failed to clear up. The owner signed a contract on the doorstep and no cancellation rights were provided, as door to door traders are legally obliged to do.
It is not clear what, if anything, they sprayed on to the consumer’s driveway and the Birmingham address they provided was mail box accommodation address, making the traders very difficult to trace.

Householders Warned Again About Illegal Electricity Top-Ups
Householders who use electricity prepayment meters are continuing to buy half price electricity top-up keys for cash on the doorstep, not realising that they will end up having to pay twice for their electricity.
Criminal gangs are cloning electricity meter top-up keys and selling them door to door for half their normal costs i.e. a £50 top up for £25. Householders are buying them in the false belief that they will save money. However, energy companies detect when they have not received payment for electricity used. As the energy credit is illegal any customer buying top-ups on the doorstep will end up paying twice, first to the criminal and then to their energy supplier.
Energy companies and Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, have reported that up to 85,000 households across the UK have been affected by the doorstep scam.
Some sellers may falsely claim to be electricity supply company representatives offering 'special deals' and 'discounts' in order to sell the bogus cards. However, genuine companies never sell electricity top-ups door-to-door.
Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service is urging Warwickshire residents to only buy electricity credit through official channels (recognized PayPoint or Payzone shops or The Post Office).
The fraud involves only electricity, not gas, prepayment meters.

SKY Digital TV Extended Warranty Insurance Scam
Warwickshire Trading Standards has been alerted to the re-emergence of a telephone cold calling scam involving the sale of extended warranties. This scam has been circulating for several years.
Consumers have reported receiving hoax calls from businesses who falsely claim they either are, or are affiliated to, SKY TV. The callers are high pressure sales people who use prepared sales scripts to encourage consumers to take out extended and often expensive warranties for their Sky TV digital equipment.
The businesses have no connection to SKY TV but use opening phrases such as "I'm calling about your SKY TV service" or "I'm calling because your SKY warranty is due for renewal" to make consumers think they are calling on behalf of SKY. In fact they are trying to sell their own extended warranty products. Some may even falsely call themselves 'Sky Protect', (Sky's own genuine extended warranty protection plan) in order to mislead consumers and get a sale.
The callers then ask for your bank account details or in some cases your debit card details to set up withdrawals from your account. Consumers have reported difficulty in stopping these withdrawals once they begin.
The callers don't always know if you have SKY before they phone, their calls are generally random.
The extended warranty costs charged by these companies can range from £50 per year to over £170. Monthly direct debits are often set up. Trading Standards Officers advise consumers to consider carefully the cost of any extended warranty against the cost of replacing the item yourself if anything went wrong.
Officers also strongly advises consumers never to provide their personal or financial information to anyone who cold calls. If you think a call is genuine, ask to phone the business back on a publically listed telephone number (for example listed in the telephone directory).
SKY makes it clear on their website that the only extended warranty cover they offer is Sky Protect, provided by Domestic and General Services Ltd. However, Trading Standards Officers understand that some hoax callers may claim they are Sky Protect when they are not.
Consumers wishing to complain should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Fraud Letters Alert
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received a number of reports from residents concerning fraud letters they have received in the post or via email.
One purports to come from a 'Mr David Zhou' who claims to be a Chinese banker with access to $10 million dollars sitting in the account of the now 'deceased' Mr Alfred Rook. His offer to you is that he can arrange for the 'money' to be willed to you so it can be moved out of the country, at which point Mr Zhou will split the pot 50/50.
Another is a letter claiming to be from a 'Mrs Toni Adams', who says she is dying and wants to make you the beneficiary of her late husbands $8.7 million dollar estate to be used for good works.
These bogus pitches for your help are one of the oldest scams in the book, but one which still catches unsuspecting people every year, often very vulnerable people. Those who do respond are quickly asked for money to help the transfer of funds along. In some cases people have lost their whole life savings to this sort of scam.
Although many of these letters are posted in the UK, the criminal gangs that operate these scams are usually located abroad.
Never respond to these bogus offers. You can only lose money and may be targeted further.

Bogus 'Police' Publication
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has been alerted by Warwickshire Police to a publication scam. A Bedworth resident reported that he was contacted by a company offering advertising space in a 'police' publication, police logos and car signage for £150. Bogus publishing firms offer advertising in 'safety' type magazines which have little or no circulation and so are useless for advertising. They use high pressure sales techniques to get a sale and pursue those who owe money aggressively.

Computer 'Update' Scam
Warwickshire Trading Standards are again advising householders to beware of unexpected telephone calls, which appear to come from outside the UK, from people requesting remote access to your PC to 'update' it. Under no circumstances should you ever give anyone you don't know or trust access to your PC. Giving someone access to your PC may enable them to infect it with viruses and other malware or place on to it new programs for which they may later attempt to make a charge! In addition you may also risk the loss of confidential personal or financial data.

Disability Equipment Scam
Householders are warned to beware of cold callers offering disability aids and equipment. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has received reports of elderly people agreeing to meetings in their homes with salespeople who have cold-called them on the telephone. In some cases these individuals have falsely claimed to be working for genuine businesses or claimed to be working for businesses that have, (unbeknown to the consumer), ceased trading. Some consumer have paid out thousands of pounds in cash for equipment that never arrives.

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service advises consumers to think twice before asking a sales representative to visit your home. Look for local businesses with verifiable trade premises and go on recommendation if possible. Paying with a credit card for goods worth over £100 gives you protection if the business goes bust and the goods do not arrive.

Consumers signing a contract in their home following an unsolicited visit have 7 days in which they can cancel.

Unsolicited Phone Calls
A local Neighbourhood Watch has reported to the service that three people in their area received unexpected phone calls from someone asking for personal and financial information. The caller appeared to know the name of the residents and then proceeded to ask for their dates of birth and following that, bank details. Trading Standards urge consumers never to reveal personal or financial details to unsolicited (unexpected) callers.

Government 'Debt Order Settlement'
Warwickshire Trading Standards has received complaints about spam txts. The latest offers recipients the opportunity to 'wipe off' their debts using a 'Debt Settlement Order'. Consumer are advised that this is believed to be a mass marketing approach from debt management companies. Consumers with debt issues can obtain free and independent advice from their local Citizens Advice Bureau. Further information is also available at: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/stoploansharks.
Responding to unsolicited email and text messages is likely to lead to you receiving more.

British Gas Refund Notification
Consumers are warned to beware of a email which falsely claims to offer a refund on £732.80 on your gas bill. The email is a crude attempt at identity theft and requests information including: a legible, colour, digital photograph of your government-issued ID (e.g driver`s permit or passport), your name and address and driver's license number. You are asked to fax this information.
As with all scam email, never respond to them or reveal any personal or financial details about yourself. The criminal gangs who collect this information use it to steal your identity, enabling them to open bank accounts in your name and take out loans and mortgages or claim benefits. Consumers are also reminded that normal email is not secure.

Computer Virus 'Detection' Scam
The Trading Standards Service has received reports that PC users have been contacted by someone claiming to have detected a virus on their PC. It is highly unlikely that anyone could genuinely detected a virus or other malware on your machine without previously having had access to it. The calls are more likely to be from someone attempting to scam the PC owner by cold calling residents at random.
It is possible that these calls are from someone who may want to gain remote access to your PC.
Giving access to your PC to someone you don't know (in order to 'repair' it for example), could lead to your computer becoming infected with viruses and other malware, or your personal or financial information being stolen and used fraudulently.
Or you may have software downloaded on to your PC or 'work' done for which you may then be asked for payment, despite your PC not requiring any fixing.

If you do think there is some thing wrong with your PC contact a local repair service and go on recommendation
For information on how to protect your PC from viruses etc. visit: www.getsafeonline.org
Never allow anyone you don't know or trust to take control of your PC, certainly not anyone who phones you unexpectedly, who ever they may claim to be (some callers have falsely claimed to be Microsoft staff).
Never download any software on to your PC if you are not certain what it does, where it comes from and that it is safe
Never give your credit or debit card number to anyone who you receive an unsolicited call from - they could be criminals and could steal your card details

For more information on scam calls, visit the website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

SCHOOL GOVERNOR REQUIRED

A vacancy exists for School Governor for Mappleborough Green Primary School. For details please contact:-

Martyn Hale, Chairman of Governors
martyn@meadowbank146.com.

Lisa Penny, Clerk
Lisa.Penny@arqiva.com.

WHEELIE BIN "SLOW DOWN" STICKERS

Warwickshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit are launching a new campaign part of which includes the supply of stickers for wheelie bins.

Each household may request 2 free stickers by e-mail (safetyengineering@warwickshire.gov.uk) or telephone - 01926 418612.

Details of the stickers can be found on the Notice Boards at The Village Hall and Abbeyfields Drive.

HELP REQUIRED WITH PLANTING AT THE DOG ISLAND AND FLOWER TROUGHS

Extra volunteers are needed to look after the upkeep of the Dog Island flower beds and the plant troughs at the entrances to the Village and at The Village Hall. If you are interested please contact The Parish Clerk, Becky Howes on 01527 270126 or e-mail (clerk@mappleboroughgreenparishcouncil.org.uk)

CARERS SUPPORT SERVICE

Click here for details on help available

NSPCC HELPLINE

Providing confidential help and advice - ring 0808 800 5000 or e-mail.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NUMBER

- suggested tip see Useful Information page.