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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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Shop owners fined for illegal vapes

Posted: 13 January 2023

UPDATES: Two business owners have been fined after illegal vaping products were discovered on their premises, highlighting enforcement action against non-compliant retailers.
 

Franchise fraudsters found guilty

Posted: 10 January 2023

UPDATES: Fraudsters behind a payroll franchise scheme have been found guilty after selling costly licences that failed to deliver, bringing a lengthy Trading Standards investigation to court.
 

Salford seizes 80,000 illegal e-cigs

Posted: 16 December 2022

UPDATES: A multi-agency operation in Salford uncovered around 80,000 illegal disposable e-cigarettes, highlighting the growing scale of illicit vape sales and the coordinated enforcement effort needed to tackle them.
 

Rising risk of loan fee scams

Posted: 14 December 2022

UPDATES: New FCA research warns that fraudsters are increasingly exploiting time pressure and upfront 'loan fee' demands to target vulnerable borrowers, with practical advice on recognising and avoiding these scams.
 

TSS serves up A-Z list of scams

Posted: 07 December 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has published an A-Z guide to the latest scams, helping consumers recognise fraud ranging from phishing emails and bogus websites to cold calls designed to steal personal and financial information.
 

Doorstep criminals sentenced

Posted: 17 November 2022

UPDATES: Three doorstep fraudsters who targeted elderly residents have been sentenced after a Trading Standards prosecution exposed a pattern of pressure selling, unfinished work and financial exploitation.
 

Steer clear of loan sharks, TS urges

Posted: 10 November 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards is urging people facing financial pressure to avoid illegal lenders, highlighting the dangers of loan sharks and the support available for those in debt.
 

Scams: Millions face financial disaster

Posted: 03 November 2022

UPDATES: National Trading Standards warns that the cost-of-living crisis is making consumers more vulnerable to scams, counterfeit goods and doorstep crime, with even a £100 loss enough to push many into serious hardship.
 

Rogue traders exploit energy fears

Posted: 31 October 2022

UPDATES: Rogue traders are using energy anxiety to sell unnecessary or poorly installed insulation through doorstep pressure tactics, prompting CTSI to urge consumers to reject cold callers and report suspected scams.
 

Rogue builder jailed for serial offences

Posted: 13 October 2022

UPDATES: A persistent rogue builder has been jailed after repeatedly targeting consumers with substandard work, leaving victims to pay thousands more to rectify dangerous and defective repairs.
 

Caravan hire fraudster fined

Posted: 06 October 2022

UPDATES: A fraudster who accepted payments for caravan holidays that never materialised has been fined following a Trading Standards investigation into a series of holiday booking scams.
 

CTSI issues warning on energy scams

Posted: 05 October 2022

UPDATES: CTSI is warning consumers to stay alert to energy-related scams as criminals exploit the cost-of-living crisis through bogus suppliers, doorstep sales and fraudulent communications.
 

Record illegal vape haul in Salford

Posted: 03 October 2022

UPDATES: Salford Trading Standards has seized a record haul of illegal vaping products, demonstrating the scale of illicit sales and the growing enforcement response to non-compliant devices.
 

Chimney sweep conmen guilty

Posted: 03 October 2022

UPDATES: A father and son who conned elderly householders into paying for unnecessary chimney work have received suspended prison sentences following a lengthy Trading Standards investigation.
 

Newport stubs out illegal tobacco shops

Posted: 28 September 2022

UPDATES: Coordinated action against illegal tobacco sales has seen Newport businesses sanctioned as Trading Standards and partner agencies intensify efforts to disrupt organised criminal supply.
 

Scammers exploit cost-of-living woes

Posted: 28 September 2022

ANALYSIS: New fraud data shows scammers exploiting cost-of-living support, with bogus energy rebates, council tax refunds and payment messages mimicking official schemes. The warning highlights how financial pressure is creating fresh opportunities for criminals.
 

Illegal cigarette seller sentenced

Posted: 20 September 2022

UPDATES: A Cheshire shopkeeper has been sentenced after Trading Standards officers uncovered counterfeit cigarettes, non-compliant tobacco packaging and hidden cash during repeated inspections of his Ellesmere Port store.
 

TSS kicks off cost-of-living campaign

Posted: 01 September 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has launched a campaign warning households about cost-of-living scams, highlighting the tactics criminals use and the practical steps consumers can take to stay safe.
 

Illicit tobacco: South West clamps down

Posted: 25 August 2022

UPDATES: Enforcement action across the South West has disrupted the illicit tobacco trade through closure orders, raids and substantial seizures, targeting organised criminal activity and protecting legitimate businesses.
 

Cowboy builder put victims at risk

Posted: 23 August 2022

UPDATES: A rogue builder who left households with dangerous structural defects, exposed wiring and unsafe gas installations has been jailed for 33 months following a Norfolk Trading Standards prosecution. The case illustrates the financial and emotional harm caused by rogue traders.