Homeowners could risk facing a £1,000 fine by ignoring a ‘junk’ letter

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has revealed not responding to a letter that may look like junk mail could result in a £1,000 fine.

The financial whizz often delivers crucial money advice to the British public on both TV and radio.

In the latest episode of his Money Martin show on BBC Radio 5 Live he urged homeowners to not disregard the housing enquiry form that will be sent to most of the public.

“This is a form from the council right across the country,” he explained.

“It’s effectively asking you to check whether the right people in your household are registered to vote.

• PPI claim: Money Saving Expert reveals what to do if you missed deadline

“Now if you don’t deal with that properly – check and tell them the difference – there can be a £1,000 fine.”

One reason why this mistake could be made, Martin explains, is because the form could get confused with junk mail.

“This is just a note that if you get the Household Enquiry form or you’ve got it or you’ve had it and you’ve thrown it away, you do need to check that it’s right,“ he added.

On junk mail, Martin said people often wrongly believe they receive it because they're on the electoral register.

But companies actually use something called The Open Register to market to you.

“You can opt out of the Open Register,“ the financial guru continued.

“It will not affect your credit file and you won’t get the junk mail, but you will still be registered to vote.”

Source: Read Full Article