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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 warns on scheme deadline

Posted: 11 November 2020

UPDATES: Concerns are raised that the Green Homes Grant Scheme's tight timescales could create opportunities for rogue traders and fraud, with advice for householders considering the scheme.
 

Fraudsters pose as COVID marshals

Posted: 23 October 2020

UPDATES: Reports of fraudsters posing as COVID marshals and healthcare workers have prompted fresh warnings from CTSI, which explains how the scams operate and the steps householders can take to protect themselves.
 

Fighting another deadly pandemic

Posted: 19 October 2020

OPINION: Preventing underage knife sales remains a vital part of tackling knife crime. Drawing on National Trading Standards test purchasing results, this opinion piece argues for continued enforcement, retailer engagement and sustained investment.
 

Staffs TS issues rogue trader alert

Posted: 29 September 2020

UPDATES: Staffordshire Trading Standards is urging residents to remain vigilant after rogue traders targeted elderly householders with unnecessary home repair work and inflated charges.
 

COVID-19 scams evolving, says NTS

Posted: 29 September 2020

UPDATES: National Trading Standards warns that fraudsters are rapidly adapting COVID-19 scams, exploiting public concern over health products, government support and other pandemic-related developments.
 

Jury duty scam warning

Posted: 21 September 2020

UPDATES: CTSI is warning consumers about convincing scam text messages demanding payment to postpone jury service, highlighting key signs that distinguish fraudulent messages from genuine court communications.
 

Croydon TS takes down fraud network

Posted: 15 September 2020

UPDATES: A major Croydon Trading Standards investigation dismantled a doorstep fraud network that exploited vulnerable homeowners, leading to multiple convictions and exposing extensive money laundering.
 

Lockdown leads to romance scams

Posted: 04 September 2020

UPDATES: Isolation, furlough and social distancing created fresh opportunities for romance fraudsters, prompting renewed warnings about emotionally manipulative scams that exploit loneliness before persuading victims to hand over money.
 

Home energy fraudsters jailed

Posted: 31 August 2020

UPDATES: Three fraudsters behind a widespread home energy scam received lengthy prison sentences after convictions for dozens of offences, bringing a major prosecution against traders who deceived householders through misleading sales practices.
 

TSS issues energy scam warning

Posted: 25 August 2020

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland is urging consumers to question unsolicited energy efficiency offers, warning that fraudsters are exploiting interest in home improvement schemes through misleading marketing and bogus claims.
 

Bank security scam call emerges

Posted: 13 August 2020

UPDATES: Consumers are being warned about convincing scam calls claiming to come from their bank, with fraudsters persuading victims to transfer money or reveal sensitive information under the guise of investigating suspicious activity.
 

Locksmith fraudster jailed

Posted: 10 August 2020

UPDATES: A bogus locksmith who overcharged customers by altering chip-and-PIN payments and ignored an agreement to compensate his victims has been jailed following an investigation by Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards.
 

Amazon phishing scam resurfaces

Posted: 21 July 2020

UPDATES: Fraudsters are once again exploiting Amazon's name through convincing phishing emails and automated telephone calls designed to obtain remote computer access and steal personal and financial information.
 

Bogus gas bill scam targets public

Posted: 14 July 2020

UPDATES: Fraudulent gas bill emails designed to look like official communications from British Gas, are being sent to members of the public informing them that they owe money. The...
 

Scammers target Zoom users

Posted: 09 July 2020

UPDATES: The global COVID-19 lockdown has shifted the working patterns of millions of people, with many working entirely from home. Fraudsters have adapted to that shift. Homeworkers are receiving...
 

COVID-19: Moment of crisis

Posted: 02 July 2020

ANALYSIS: As the pandemic reshaped daily life, fraudsters rapidly adapted their tactics. This feature examines the surge in COVID-19 scams and the challenges facing trading standards officers protecting vulnerable consumers.
 

NI refund scam warning

Posted: 30 June 2020

UPDATES: Consumers are warned about convincing fake National Insurance refund emails exploiting the COVID-19 crisis, with fraudsters using government branding to steal personal and financial information.
 

COVID-19 business grants scam

Posted: 24 June 2020

UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting government business support schemes through fake grant emails. CTSI explains the latest scam and urges businesses to remain vigilant before sharing personal or payment details.
 

COVID-19 home testing scam alert

Posted: 19 June 2020

UPDATES: CTSI warns of fraudulent text messages claiming to arrange COVID-19 home testing visits, highlighting another scam designed to exploit public anxiety during the pandemic.
 

One in three targeted by lockdown scams

Posted: 15 June 2020

UPDATES: Citizens Advice polling shows a third of UK adults were targeted by scammers during lockdown, with disabled people, shielded consumers and those hit financially by the pandemic facing heightened risk.