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: http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/inspection-and-monitoring/claims-management-regulation/information-for-consumers.htm
The email alert system is a quick, simple and cost effective means by which Warwickshire Trading Standards can alert interested individuals, community organisations, businesses, charities and others to the latest Trading Standards issues/scams etc.
- Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.).
- If you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
- A list of all the latest email alerts is available on our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Communities
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday
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