Current topics/what’s new?

SCAMS/Doorstop Selling – Are you a victim?

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is launching a week long doorstep selling campaign on 19th July.

Neighbourhood and Home Watch members have been asked to support the national campaign whereby the OFT will focus primarily on PR material as well as working with victims and spokespeople to put across the key messages. The campaign will fit well into the launch of the new distraction burglary posters which can be viewed here. Leaflets about distraction burglaries can also be ordered on request from opliberal@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

To help maximize awareness, the OFT is currently looking for case studies of people who have been scammed by rogue traders themselves or have a family member who has been scammed and would be happy to talk about their experience to the media. They are also keen to receive pictures of botched jobs from people's homes and gardens as a result of a rogue trader's work to illustrate the issue to the media. If you are able to help with either of these requests, please contact either Rhian or Emma at 3 Monkeys Communications, on OFT@3-monkeys.co.uk or call 020 7009 3100.

Help Age Concern Sir Gâr fundraise to support older people

Age Concerns throughout the UK have a Charity of the Year partnership with B&Q arranged by Age UK, and Age Concern Sir Gâr needs your help to participate in and make the most of it.

B&Q, the nationwide DIY retailer, offers us the opportunity to collect outside its stores on designated dates throughout the year.

This is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise funds and raise awareness of our work and a fun way for you to volunteer.

Volunteering is a simple way to get involved with our organisation and make a real difference - we need your help.

The dates for 2010 are:

19th / 20th June
2nd / 3rd October
4th / 5th December

If you can help out on any of these dates or would like more information please contact us 01554 784 080

Burglar Alam Warning

Residents in Carmarthenshire could be targeted by companies scaring consumers into accepting a free burglar alarm which then ties the victim to a contract costing thousands of pounds.

Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service has today issued the warning after receiving reports that one of these companies has target residents in the Brecon area with a mail drop.

The service is now urging consumers to say no to companies offering these free appliances and claiming they are working with the police or as part of a Government scheme, or that they are researching for a fire and security alarm system company.

The companies are reported to use high pressure tactics and to scaremonger about rising crime levels in the area, while some are reported to make misleading claims about the alarms being directly linked to the police or the availability of a hotline to police patrol cars.

What the companies fail to mention are the fees that residents will have to pay for the monitoring, upkeep and rapid response, which can add up to thousands of pounds. Some have found themselves tied into a six-year contract agreement costing up to £6,000.

Be aware that if you have signed on the dotted line you have a seven day cooling off period during which you can change your minds. But if you then agree in writing for installation to take place within this period you are waiving your consumer rights.

“These companies seem to be working their way from one area to another so we urge Carmarthenshire residents to be on their guard.”

“Salesmen trying to sell you something over the phone or on your doorstep could be anyone. Talk to family, friends or neighbours if you are unsure or worried. Alternatively, contact Consumer Direct Wales, who will be able to advise and refer the case to the relevant trading standards department where appropriate.

“Consumers should always use a company recommended by a friend or found in a local approved trader scheme and, where possible, ask for three quotes.”

For clear, practical consumer advice then call Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for their Welsh-speaking service or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

Over 60s in Wales are set to benefit from a new Welsh boiler scrappage scheme that will come into force on 1 April

The new scheme will be targeted specifically at the over 60s who are likely to be more vulnerable to fuel poverty. Replacing a G-rated boiler could save households up to £235 per year in energy costs as well as significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Welsh boiler scrappage scheme is open to over 60s across Wales who have an inefficient (G rated) boiler. Eligible applicants will receive a £500 voucher towards the cost of replacing their old boiler.

Details of the delivery mechanism and application process for the scheme are currently being finalised and will be announced shortly. The scheme will be open for applications on 1 April. No waiting list will be operated in advance of that date. For further information go to http://wales.gov.uk

What Happens When You Call 999?

Download leaflets:

Bogus callers warning – Carmarthenshire area

A person in Carmarthenshire has been conned into giving out their bank details by a bogus caller. The case is one of a number now being reported where callers have asked people for their bank details on the pretext that they have overpaid their council tax, and are due for a refund.

Carmarthenshire’s public protection and finance departments are now warning people not to give out any personal details.

Head of Public Protection Philip Davies said: “If anyone receives one of these calls, or receives a visit at their home from anyone claiming to be giving council tax rebates, do not give out any details, and report the incident to Carmarthenshire Country Council or to the police.”

A spate of bogus calls has occurred in recent weeks in other parts of Wales and are now increasing in Carmarthenshire.

The bogus caller states that he or she is from the council and that the person has overpaid council tax which needs to be refunded.

They then ask for the person’s bank details which they say is needed to make the repayment.

Mr Davies added: “At least one person we know of has already given their details without first checking with us whether or not the caller was genuine.

“Others have thankfully reported them to us without giving out their bank details. “We are urging everyone to be cautious so that they don’t get conned by this scam.”

Tax Scam

TAXPAYERS in Carmarthenshire are being warned about a scam that could see their bank accounts cleared of money. Fraudsters are sending out letters claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs urging taxpayers to contact them to claim tax refunds.

The letter, with an official heading, says that the Tax File Number is valid for only 24 hours for security reasons and emphasises the need for confidentiality.

Carmarthenshire County Council head of public protection Philip Davies said: “The email, link and form looks quite authentic and people will provide personal information if they think they can get a refund from HMRC.

“If you look closely at the string when you use the link you'll see that there is a '.com' site being used. It would not appear on an authentic HMRC website. This is where the personal information ends up and personal details are sold on or a bank account suddenly empties.”

Want to know more about applying for Council Tax or Housing Benefit?

Are you entitled to some financial help with your Council Tax or do you want help with completing Housing Benefit claim forms?

Age concern Sir Gâr and Carmarthenshire County Council, Housing Benefits Department have taken the initiative and joined forces to provide such a service.

A visiting officer from the Housing Benefits department of the local authority will be available at our offices on the first Friday in every month for the next 6 months between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm. Home visits if necessary can also be arranged and are flexible.

What's New

More news can be found at: www.ageconcern.org.uk

Care Home Checklist

Choosing a care home is an important decision. Finding out as much as you can about a home will help you to make an informed choice. This guide suggests what to ask. If you are not happy with something, ask the home for an explanation.

For more information go to www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/info-care-homechecklist.asp or contact our office for a copy of the checklist.

The Zimmers

The Zimmers are a band with a difference - all 40 of the members are aged over 60 and have a combined age of over 3000! The Zimmers are raising awareness through celebrating their age, and highlighting that for many older people, later life is a time for exploration and adventure. However, for millions of other older people life is an isolating and lonely experience.

The Zimmers are generously donating 50% of profits from the sale of their cover of The Who's hit "My Generation" to Age Concern, to find out more about them and to show your support please visit www.myspace.com/thezimmersband.

Benefits

Age Concern is calling on people across the UK to urge their older friends and family to claim their benefits as this could dramatically improve their quality of life and lift many out of poverty. The call comes as new research for the charity reveals that more than a third (35%) of people are worried that an older friend or relative is missing out on vital money benefits.

In a bid to reverse the growing amount of benefits cash left unclaimed by older people each year – now up to £42 billion, Age Concern is launching a major new campaign to encourage older people to claim the money that is rightfully theirs. The charity has set an amibitious target for the year-long ‘Your Rights’ Campaign, pledging to put an extra £100 million into the pockets of pensioners before April 2008. For more information on this campaign see link to Age Concern England. Alternatively if you want information on benefits or advice contact the office. We currently have a volunteer benefits adviser in the office once a week, appointments are necessary.

Age Concern Sir Gâr now has a benefits adviser in the Llanelli office on Wednesdays. Please ring the office for details.

Leisure pursuits

Free swimming for 60+s in Wales
Nordic Walking
Winter workouts
Healthy eating

For more information please visit Age Concern Cymru website

More News

For more news see www.ageconcernengland.org.uk and www.accymru.org.uk