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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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Postal scam uses CTSI branding

Posted: 30 April 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters have used CTSI branding in letters promoting a bogus compensation scheme, prompting warnings that recipients should not complete the fake debt form and should report the scam.
 

Supermarket scam text alert

Posted: 27 April 2021

UPDATES: CTSI warns that fake supermarket delivery texts claiming to be from Asda and Morrisons are being used to steal personal details as home shopping remains widespread during the pandemic.
 

Fund opens to tackle loan sharks

Posted: 09 April 2021

UPDATES: Community organisations and charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from money seized from convicted loan sharks, with funding aimed at awareness work, victim support and local crime reduction projects.
 

Public warned of NI phone scam

Posted: 09 April 2021

UPDATES: CTSI is warning the public about an automated National Insurance scam that threatens legal trouble and asks recipients to press 1, exposing them to identity theft and wider financial risk.
 

New banking scams emerge

Posted: 29 March 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are sending bank security texts that mimic major high street names and ask consumers to confirm payments through malicious links, prompting CTSI to urge direct checks with banks and reports to 7726.
 

Rogue jailed for overpriced work

Posted: 28 March 2021

UPDATES: A South West rogue trader has been jailed after targeting elderly and vulnerable victims with unnecessary, sub-standard and grossly overpriced home maintenance work, with losses across eight cases exceeding £100,000.
 

West Yorkshire TS seizes illicit tobacco

Posted: 17 March 2021

UPDATES: West Yorkshire Trading Standards and partners have seized 90,000 illicit cigarettes, 26.5kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco and suspected proceeds of crime after raids uncovered concealed stock and organised sales methods.
 

Bogus Royal Mail text sent to public

Posted: 11 March 2021

UPDATES: CTSI has warned consumers about a convincing SMS scam impersonating Royal Mail to collect payment and personal details. The fraud exploits the growth in online shopping and parcel deliveries, underlining the need for vigilance against increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks.
 

Farmer jailed for welfare offences

Posted: 17 February 2021

UPDATES: A Herefordshire farmer has been jailed and banned from keeping livestock after breaching an existing disqualification order and committing multiple animal welfare offences, following a prosecution by the council's Trading Standards Animal Health team.
 

Phone scam targets home workers

Posted: 15 February 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are targeting people working from home by posing as internet providers and persuading victims to install remote-access software. Learn how the scam works and the warning signs that can prevent financial loss.
 

New vaccine email scam emerges

Posted: 04 February 2021

UPDATES: Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 vaccination programme with convincing phishing emails designed to steal personal information. Find out how the scam operates and the advice issued to consumers.
 

Fur coats and fraudsters

Posted: 02 February 2021

ANALYSIS: A fraud spreading in Germany offers timely lessons for UK enforcement officers. Examining the 'fur coat and gold' scam reveals how confidence tricksters manipulate trust and exploit vulnerable victims.
 

Brexit scam text sent to public

Posted: 27 January 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting uncertainty surrounding Brexit by sending text messages that direct recipients to fake websites. Officials explain how the scam works and how consumers can protect themselves.
 

FCA issues 'clone firm' warning

Posted: 27 January 2021

UPDATES: The Financial Conduct Authority has warned consumers about clone investment firms after reporting substantial fraud losses. The update explains the threat and highlights the precautions investors should take.
 

Bogus lockdown rebate scam

Posted: 12 January 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting the pandemic with fake lockdown rebate text messages designed to steal banking details. Learn how the scam works and the warning signs consumers should watch for.
 

Vaccine scam message emerges

Posted: 06 January 2021

UPDATES: Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 vaccination programme with convincing fake NHS messages that harvest personal and banking details. Consumers are urged to recognise the warning signs and stay vigilant.
 

Payment scam targets NHS staff

Posted: 21 December 2020

UPDATES: CTSI has warned NHS and social care workers about fraudulent calls seeking bank details for Scotland's £500 pandemic payment, stressing that genuine payments are made through official payroll channels.
 

Rogue car park painters warning

Posted: 10 December 2020

UPDATES: Fraudsters posing as Highways Department workmen are targeting private car parks, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service has
 

Test & Trace scam expands to Scotland

Posted: 18 November 2020

UPDATES: Fraudsters have adapted COVID-19 Test and Trace scams for Scotland. Learn how the scam operates, the warning signs to watch for and the steps consumers should take to protect themselves.
 

New HMRC scam targets public

Posted: 11 November 2020

UPDATES: CTSI warns of a telephone scam in which fraudsters impersonate HMRC and exploit COVID-19 tax changes to demand money, explaining how to recognise and report the fraud.