Login
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.
UK ECC celebrates Europe Day
Posted: 11 May 2020
UPDATES: UK ECC marked Europe Day during its busiest period on record, as Covid-19 travel disruption drove thousands of cross-border consumer enquiries, many involving Ryanair cancellations and flight refund disputes.
CCAS goes from strength to strength
Posted: 06 May 2020
UPDATES: The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme recorded strong growth in business membership and consumer spending protected, with almost £135bn of transactions now covered by approved codes amid heightened concern about consumer confidence during Covid-19.
CMA sets up Covid-19 taskforce
Posted: 06 May 2020
UPDATES: The CMA’s Covid-19 Taskforce is prioritising cancellation and refund complaints in weddings, holiday accommodation and childcare, warning businesses that consumers should usually receive refunds where lockdown prevents services from being delivered.
Fake pet ad scam warning
Posted: 06 May 2020
UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting lockdown loneliness through fake pet adverts, with hundreds of victims losing deposits and extra payments for animals that do not exist, prompting CTSI and the RSPCA to urge caution until restrictions lift.
Covid-19 mask scam call emerges
Posted: 04 May 2020
UPDATES: CTSI is warning households about cold calls falsely claiming that outdoor face masks are compulsory, using the pandemic to sell overpriced masks, hand gel and gloves while harvesting addresses and payment details.
Whirlpool announces recalls
Posted: 30 April 2020
UPDATES: Whirlpool has added 21 Hotpoint washing machine models to its recall after identifying a further 55,000 affected appliances, with CTSI urging consumers to check their machines despite the practical difficulties caused by lockdown.
Obituary: Reginald John Smith FCTSI
Posted: 27 April 2020
UPDATES: Colleagues remember Reginald John Smith FCTSI as a generous and influential figure in trading standards, renowned for his metrology expertise, Institute service, training commitment and warmth towards younger members of the profession.
Lynn Faulds Wood dies at 72
Posted: 26 April 2020
UPDATES: Lynn Faulds Wood’s death prompted tributes to a campaigning journalist whose work on Watchdog, product recalls and local consumer protection made her a valued ally of trading standards and a persistent advocate for public safety.
Surge in UK ECC travel enquiries
Posted: 24 April 2020
UPDATES: UK ECC reported its largest surge in travel enquiries since the volcanic ash crisis, as airline cancellations and voucher disputes left consumers weighing refund rights against the delays and practical realities of Covid-19 disruption.
HMRC Covid-19 scam expands
Posted: 20 April 2020
UPDATES: Fraudsters have widened HMRC-themed Covid-19 scams from texts and emails to bogus telephone calls. Learn how the fraud works, why it is proving so convincing and the warning signs that can help protect vulnerable consumers.
Netflix scam exploits lockdown
Posted: 20 April 2020
UPDATES: Fake Netflix payment emails are exploiting the lockdown streaming boom to steal card details. CTSI explains how the scam operates and why similar attacks are likely to appear using other entertainment brands.
New advice to combat food waste
Posted: 17 April 2020
UPDATES: Rising food waste during lockdown has prompted new guidance for consumers and businesses on storage, labelling and leftovers, helping protect household budgets while reducing unnecessary waste.
Advice on Covid-19 cancellations
Posted: 14 April 2020
UPDATES: Holidaymakers facing cancelled trips and refused refunds are urged to seek specialist advice. UK ECC explains the options available when accommodation providers will not rebook or reimburse customers.
Hero Awards 2020 postponed
Posted: 09 April 2020
UPDATES: CTSI has postponed the 2020 Hero Awards because of the pandemic, confirming existing nominations will be carried forward while celebrating the frontline work continuing across consumer protection.
New Covid-19 voucher scam
Posted: 06 April 2020
UPDATES: Criminals are exploiting coronavirus anxieties with fake supermarket voucher emails designed to steal payment details. CTSI highlights the warning signs and urges consumers to ignore tempting offers.
Fake payment update text alert
Posted: 01 April 2020
UPDATES: A bogus text claiming a payment card needs updating is targeting consumers during the pandemic. CTSI explains how the scam works and the simple steps needed to avoid becoming a victim.
CTSI Chief slams profiteers
Posted: 29 March 2020
UPDATES: Consumers are being warned about fraudulent doorstep callers and online scams exploiting coronavirus fears, with practical advice on staying safe during a rapidly changing emergency.
New Covid-19 text scam alert
Posted: 26 March 2020
UPDATES: Fake government text messages promising coronavirus payments continue to circulate. CTSI reminds consumers that official departments never request banking credentials by text, email or phone.
Temporary Assay Office closures
Posted: 25 March 2020
UPDATES: The UK’s four Assay Offices have temporarily closed because of the Covid-19 crisis. Businesses needing hallmarking services are advised how to obtain guidance while restrictions remain in place.
CTSI warns on repair opportunists
Posted: 25 March 2020
UPDATES: Rogue repair traders are targeting vulnerable householders seeking urgent work during lockdown. CTSI outlines the safeguards consumers should insist on before agreeing to emergency repairs.
