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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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UK ‘falling behind’ in IP protection

Posted: 03 September 2020

ANALYSIS: Counterfeiting experts argue the UK is struggling to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated intellectual property crime, examining the scale of organised criminal involvement, weaknesses in enforcement and the wider consequences for consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy.
 

COVID guidance for salons published

Posted: 02 September 2020

UPDATES: Newly published COVID-secure guidance gives hairdressers, barbers and beauty businesses practical advice on reopening safely, providing sector-specific measures to protect staff and customers as restrictions ease.
 

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.
 

UK ECC staff could face axe

Posted: 20 August 2020

UPDATES: Uncertainty over future funding threatened the closure of the UK European Consumer Centre, raising concerns that specialist support for cross-border consumer disputes could disappear after the Brexit transition period.
 

In partnership against the pandemic

Posted: 13 August 2020

OPINION: Reflecting on the response to COVID-19, this piece explores how collaboration between OPSS, CTSI and local authority Trading Standards strengthened consumer protection, supported businesses and demonstrated the value of coordinated partnership working during a national emergency.
 

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.
 

Hero Awards 2020 update

Posted: 10 August 2020

UPDATES: CTSI Chief Executive Leon Livermore provides a video update on how the 2020 Hero Awards will be delivered during the Virtual Symposium, with details of the revised arrangements and where to find further information.
 

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.
 

Dealing with disruption

Posted: 04 August 2020

ANALYSIS: Online marketplaces, the sharing economy and rapidly changing digital business models are transforming consumer markets faster than regulation can keep pace. Examines the enforcement, legal and policy challenges posed by increasingly disruptive technologies and platforms.
 

Contracts and COVID-19

Posted: 04 August 2020

ANALYSIS: COVID-19 has disrupted countless consumer and business contracts, raising difficult questions over cancellations, refunds, damages and contractual obligations. Explores how established legal principles apply during the pandemic and what rights remain available to both consumers and traders.
 

Getting product recalls right

Posted: 04 August 2020

ANALYSIS: Effective product recalls depend on far more than issuing a notice. Assesses the challenges of tracing unsafe products in an online marketplace, improving consumer engagement and strengthening recall systems to protect the public.
 

Five years of HIES approval scheme

Posted: 28 July 2020

UPDATES: Five years after gaining CTSI Consumer Codes Approved Scheme approval, HIES reflects on its growth, consumer protections and commitment to raising standards across the renewable energy and home insulation sector.
 

Illegal cigarette haul flushed out

Posted: 27 July 2020

UPDATES: Trading standards officers in Salford, assisted by sniffer dog Ricco, uncovered a concealed cache of illegal tobacco hidden behind a tiled compartment, highlighting continuing efforts to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade.
 

Government backs ATOL scheme

Posted: 24 July 2020

UPDATES: Government backing for ATOL refund credit notes aims to protect consumers whose package holidays are cancelled because of COVID-19 while supporting recovery across the travel industry. Includes reaction from CTSI's travel law lead.
 

UK ECC faces uncertain future

Posted: 24 July 2020

UPDATES: The future of the UK European Consumer Centre hangs in the balance as Brexit negotiations continue, with the possible loss of cross-border consumer assistance raising concerns for thousands seeking help with EU purchases.
 

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.
 

10 years of the Consumer Code

Posted: 21 July 2020

OPINION: Ten years after the Consumer Code for Home Builders began, its chair reflects on the Code’s growth, the importance of independent dispute resolution and the need to keep improving protection for new-build buyers.
 

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...