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Journal of Trading Standards, Online Edition - JoTS Online

Welcome to the Journal of Trading Standards online edition, JoTS Online. Browse through our latest Articles - including Analysis, Opinion Pieces, Features and a selection of articles from our acclaimed print journal.

Although many JoTS Online articles are open access (public), others are exclusive to CTSI Members - in which case, you'll need to login to access them. If you aren't a member of CTSI yet, you can join us here. And, if you'd like to contribute articles or suggest topics for us to cover, please email our Editorial Team.

Latest JoTS Online Articles : 

News Category Tags: Crime, Product Safety, Health and Safety, Counterfeit Goods, Retail, Animal Health and Welfare, Legal and Policy, Enforcement Practice, Product Recalls, Property and Housing, Automotive, Vapes, Business, CTSI Conference, CTSI Hero Awards.

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CTSI concerned about vaping & CSE

Posted: 19 August 2022

UPDATES: CTSI has warned of emerging evidence linking underage vaping with child sexual exploitation, with reports that vapes are being used to groom children. The article explores the intelligence behind the warning and its implications for enforcement and safeguarding.
 

Shopkeeper jailed over illicit tobacco

Posted: 17 August 2022

UPDATES: A retailer has been jailed following offences involving illicit tobacco, highlighting the serious consequences of organised illegal tobacco trading and the ongoing efforts to protect legitimate businesses and consumers.
 

Illegal shisha tobacco seller fined

Posted: 09 August 2022

UPDATES: An illegal shisha tobacco seller has been fined after enforcement action exposed breaches of trading laws. The case reinforces the importance of tackling the illicit tobacco market and protecting public health.
 

Scam victims to be compensated

Posted: 21 July 2022

UPDATES: Victims of a mass mail fraud targeting millions of UK households are set to receive compensation after criminals exploited vulnerable consumers with fake prize draw schemes demanding upfront payments.
 

Sniffer dog uncovers illegal cigarettes

Posted: 05 July 2022

UPDATES: A routine inspection in Brent led to the discovery of illegal cigarettes hidden on retail premises after a trained sniffer dog was deployed, resulting in prosecution, substantial fines and a reminder of the continuing fight against illicit tobacco.
 

Retailer fined for underage vodka sales

Posted: 03 July 2022

UPDATES: A retailer is prosecuted after repeatedly selling alcohol to children during test purchase operations. The case examines the investigation, court outcome and the wider importance of age-restricted sales enforcement.
 

Shopkeeper fined for illicit tobacco stash

Posted: 28 June 2022

UPDATES: An Oldham shopkeeper is convicted after Trading Standards uncover illicit tobacco during an investigation. The article outlines the offences, penalties imposed and the continuing effort to disrupt the illegal tobacco market.
 

TSS cracks down on lead generator

Posted: 07 June 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has reported an English lead generation company after concerns over misleading energy efficiency marketing, while urging consumers to seek independent advice before sharing personal details or agreeing to home improvement work.
 

Shut out Scammers, TSS urges

Posted: 08 May 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland is urging consumers to stay alert as fraudsters adapt their tactics during the cost-of-living crisis, highlighting the latest scams and practical steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
 

COVID-19 test fraudster prosecuted

Posted: 28 April 2022

UPDATES: A fraudster who offered fake COVID-19 testing services during the pandemic has been prosecuted after deceiving members of the public with bogus home testing and false laboratory claims.
 

Fraudsters jailed for timeshare scam

Posted: 07 April 2022

UPDATES: Two men have been jailed for laundering money generated by a sophisticated cross-border timeshare fraud that targeted hundreds of UK consumers. The investigation traces how advance-fee scams operated, how funds were moved through multiple accounts, and the partnership work that secured convictions.
 

North London fraudster sentenced

Posted: 01 April 2022

UPDATES: A rogue builder who exploited a North London homeowner to feed a gambling addiction has received a suspended prison sentence. The case highlights the financial and personal impact on the victim and the investigation that uncovered how tens of thousands of pounds were misused.
 

Islington cowboy builder jailed

Posted: 23 March 2022

UPDATES: An Islington rogue builder who deliberately targeted elderly homeowners has been jailed after defrauding victims of £86,000 through fabricated roofing repairs. The prosecution demonstrates how early intelligence, careful investigation and partnership working exposed a calculated pattern of offending.
 

Warwickshire rogue trader found guilty

Posted: 21 March 2022

UPDATES: A Warwickshire rogue trader has been convicted after systematically exploiting a vulnerable pensioner over several years, extracting more than £100,000 for grossly overpriced and incomplete work. The investigation reveals the scale of the deception and the evidence that secured the verdict.
 

Dorset takes on illegal puppy sales

Posted: 08 March 2022

UPDATES: Dorset Council is warning would-be dog owners to check breeders before buying, as trading standards and environmental health teams tackle unlicensed puppy sales driven by pandemic demand, animal welfare concerns and the risk of serious consumer loss.
 

FCA cracks down on investment scams

Posted: 03 March 2022

UPDATES: FCA data shows investment scam enquiries rose sharply in 2021, with cryptoassets, boiler rooms and recovery room fraud prominent, as the regulator promotes ScamSmart and InvestSmart and steps up action against unauthorised and high-risk firms.
 

Valentine’s Day scams warning

Posted: 01 February 2022

UPDATES: CTSI is warning Valentine’s Day shoppers and online daters to watch for romance fraud, fake getaways and pop-up gift scams, as pandemic isolation and rising use of dating platforms continue to fuel losses.
 

Mail scammers impersonate CTSI

Posted: 26 January 2022

UPDATES: Fraudsters are circulating letters that misuse CTSI branding to promote a bogus compensation scheme, asking recipients to submit personal details through a fake creditors debt form. CTSI warns that the scam has spread beyond England and urges anyone receiving the letter to contact the Financial Conduct Authority.
 

Puppy seller ordered to pay £100,000

Posted: 12 January 2022

UPDATES: An illegal puppy seller who misled buyers into believing he had bred the animals himself has been ordered to pay £100,000 after a Telford and Wrekin Council Trading Standards investigation uncovered poor record-keeping, misleading adverts and serious animal welfare concerns.
 

Omicron sparks latest email scam

Posted: 15 December 2021

UPDATES: Members of the public have received an email clad in NHS branding as well as texts calling on them to "apply now for Omicron PCR test to avoid restrictions." The message claims that older...