Friday 10th February 2012 Update.

Rogue traders are reportedly cold calling in Leigh Park and the surrounding area of Hampshire claiming residents need to replace their TV aerial in order to receive the digital TV signal. However, most people with a good aerial now, will not need a new aerial for switchover and remember, there is no such thing as a ‘digital aerial’. Whether you need a new aerial for switchover will depend on the condition of your current aerial and where you live. If you currently have poor reception on your analogue TV, then you may need to replace your aerial at switchover. A small number of households may also need a wideband aerial to receive all the channels available. To find out if this affects you visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/youraerial or call 08456 50 50 50.

Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to any work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop. If you do need to replace your rooftop aerial, look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI), who has been trained and security checked. To find an RDI near you visit www.rdi-lb.co.uk or call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50.Please note, if you are over 75, disabled or on certain benefits you may be eligible for help from the Switchover Help Scheme. This means you could get one TV set at your home switched to digital for just £40. Those who are entitled to help should have already received a letter and information pack though the post, but to check if you are eligible please visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900.

And finally, if anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling claiming TV aerials need to be replaced or any other doorstep crime issue they should contact Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service

Quick Response Team on 01962 833666 (Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs) where specially trained officers are on hand to provide advice. 

Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service
Montgomery House  Monarch Way
Winchester  Hampshire  SO22 5PW 
Tel: 01962 833620
Fax: 01962 833698   
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Friday 3rd February 2012 update

We are still getting reports of the "Microsoft Computer Scam" where you may be telephoned by someone posing as a Microsoft Support Engineer telling you that your computer has a virus or infection or similar. PLEASE IGNORE ALL SUCH CALLS. Microsoft do NOT telephone customers, these are scam calls. 

Criminal gangs posing as HMRC Tax Collectors are sending 'phishing' e-mails in the run up to the Self Assesment Tax deadline of 31st January. The fake e-mails tell people they are due a tax rebate and direct you to a fake website where your details are captured and then your bank account is emptied. and your details are sold on. HMRC will only ever make genuine contact in writing by post. Anyone receiving a fake mail is asked to forward it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before deleting it permanently.

Also, we have had reports of scam e-mails supposedly from major banks, even some where the recipient does not bank with the supposed originator. The e-mail follows the lines of "Your account has been compromised ... or will be closed/blocked/in danger etc if you do not provide us with your details" Needless to say, if you provide any details, then if you have an account, then it will certainly be compromised and emptied very quickly.

Most major banks have now set up special phishing email accounts where you are encouraged to send these fake mails. Details can usually be found by a phone call to their head office. DO NOT RING ANY NUMBERS GIVEN IN FAKE EMAILS. Then you are strongly advised to permanently delete the e-mail.

The major banks have all assured us that they only communicate with their customers by written post on headed paper.