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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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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.
 

CTSI concerned about vaping & CSE

Posted: 19 August 2022

UPDATES: CTSI has warned of emerging evidence linking underage vaping with child sexual exploitation, with reports that vapes are being used to groom children. The article explores the intelligence behind the warning and its implications for enforcement and safeguarding.
 

Shopkeeper jailed over illicit tobacco

Posted: 17 August 2022

UPDATES: A retailer has been jailed following offences involving illicit tobacco, highlighting the serious consequences of organised illegal tobacco trading and the ongoing efforts to protect legitimate businesses and consumers.
 

Illegal shisha tobacco seller fined

Posted: 09 August 2022

UPDATES: An illegal shisha tobacco seller has been fined after enforcement action exposed breaches of trading laws. The case reinforces the importance of tackling the illicit tobacco market and protecting public health.
 

Scam victims to be compensated

Posted: 21 July 2022

UPDATES: Victims of a mass mail fraud targeting millions of UK households are set to receive compensation after criminals exploited vulnerable consumers with fake prize draw schemes demanding upfront payments.
 

Sniffer dog uncovers illegal cigarettes

Posted: 05 July 2022

UPDATES: A routine inspection in Brent led to the discovery of illegal cigarettes hidden on retail premises after a trained sniffer dog was deployed, resulting in prosecution, substantial fines and a reminder of the continuing fight against illicit tobacco.
 

Retailer fined for underage vodka sales

Posted: 03 July 2022

UPDATES: A retailer is prosecuted after repeatedly selling alcohol to children during test purchase operations. The case examines the investigation, court outcome and the wider importance of age-restricted sales enforcement.
 

Shopkeeper fined for illicit tobacco stash

Posted: 28 June 2022

UPDATES: An Oldham shopkeeper is convicted after Trading Standards uncover illicit tobacco during an investigation. The article outlines the offences, penalties imposed and the continuing effort to disrupt the illegal tobacco market.
 

TSS cracks down on lead generator

Posted: 07 June 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has reported an English lead generation company after concerns over misleading energy efficiency marketing, while urging consumers to seek independent advice before sharing personal details or agreeing to home improvement work.