Test and Trace number spoofing, fake holiday refund scams and illegal money lending are among a raft of scams targeting South West residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unscrupulous criminals exploiting fears and uncertainty during the pandemic has led to an increase in scams. New research by Citizens… Read More
Trading Standards News
One-In-Three Targeted By Scammers
More than one-in-three people (36%) in the South West have been the target of a scam since lockdown came into effect across the country, according to new research by Citizens Advice Cornwall. Over half of people (58%) are worried someone they know will fall foul of a con. And the… Read More
Beware of Covid-19 Scams
Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and… Read More
Exeter man charged with illegal money lending activities
A 60-year-old man from Exeter has been charged with illegal money lending and money laundering offences. It follows an investigation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) working in partnership with Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards and Devon and Cornwall Police. The suspect was arrested after a warrant… Read More
Do you know what’s in your take away?
As the party season approaches, Trading Standards has issued a warning that allergens may be found where you don’t expect them. Gloucestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team has carried out a survey to raise awareness of allergens in food, in particular one you might not be expecting – milk in… Read More
Keeping shoppers safe from rogue traders and counterfeits: 10th anniversary of Real Deal ‘Fake Free Markets’ Charter
Shoppers across the UK are now increasingly likely to enjoy a genuine purchase from their local market, thanks to a consumer-friendly ‘Fake-Free Markets’ charter which is seeing its 10th anniversary this week. An initiative of the National Markets Group for IP Protection (NMG), the Real Deal ‘Fake Free Markets’ Charter… Read More