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This e-zine is compiled by Devon & Somerset Trading Standards. Residents and businesses should find something of interest – for example current scams and advice on how to avoid being ripped off, details of local businesses you can trust, safety alerts, information on farmed animal legislation, and details of our other current projects. |
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In this issue you will find details of some of our recent
cases and the usual advice snippets, as well as the exciting news that one of
our officers has won a national award!
With the daffodils in full bloom and the sun making an
appearance, we want to remind all consumers and businesses to be vigilant in
avoiding rogue traders. If you are approached at home by a trader
offering home improvement services, dont agree on the doorstep - think
carefully about whether the work being offered is actually necessary, and
obtain three quotes from recommended businesses.
With recent reports of a distraction burglary in
Devon, we would also suggest that if you don't know the person, and you weren't
expecting anyone, you consider not opening the door at all and if necessary,
speaking to the caller through the letterbox or a small window. If you are
concerned for your safety, or someone elses, always dial 999.
Remember, it's not just consumers the rogues and scammers
prey upon - businesses are also a popular target. A recent and worrying scam
involves a request for money being sent to a business, and if the demand is not
met, the scammers threaten a "cyber attack" to ruin the business’ reputation.
Find out more from the Action Fraud website.
 Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Officer wins
National Award
Officer and former businessman, Tim Milsom has clinched the Government’s
inaugural Better Business for All (BBfA) ‘Individual Ambassador’ Award at a
ceremony in London.
We are very proud of Tim for all of his efforts as chairman
of both the Devon and Somerset BBfA partnerships Business Focus Panel and the
Steering Group, which represents the 19 local authorities. Tim has made a real
impact by improving the way regulation is delivered and received. His passion
and commitment has built excellent new working relationships across the region
and he has the confidence of colleagues both in local authorities and the
business community that he can be trusted to deliver.
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Guilty Verdict for
rogues who defrauded the vulnerable in Devon
Following a nine day trial at the end of last year, two men
were found guilty of conspiring to defraud Devon residents in the Summer of
2013. Another male pled guilty to the charge. Victims included 81 and 93 year old men from Seaton, the alarm was
raised when a concerned bank cashier alerted the authorities. Read the full
story here
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Tough on Illegal Tobacco
We all know the dangers of legitimate tobacco,
but when illegal tobacco is sold, the risk of harm escalates. Cheap knock off
tobacco encourages more people to start smoking, takes advantage of cash
strapped families, is more likely to be sold to children, and helps to fund
organised crime according to the Stop Illegal Tobacco website.
In March a Bridgwater shopkeeper was convicted for the
possession for supply of illegal tobacco in his shops in Bridgwater following
an investigation by our officers. Read the full story here
In a joint operation with HMRC, Illegal tobacco with an on-the-street value of
more than £63,000 was seized during a day of raids across Exeter in February
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Scam callers claiming to be your local council sweep the
region Reports of a scam
telephone caller who claims to be from your Local Council in order to gain
personal details has been reported as using the names Devon County Council,
Somerset County Council, and Torridge District Council so far. The caller
claims to require personal information in relation to any accidents you may
have had and asks for private information. Somerset County Council has written
an article which includes advice on avoiding this scam
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