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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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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.
 

Fake trading standards line scam

Posted: 08 June 2020

UPDATES: CTSI has warned consumers about a fake trading standards website and premium-rate helpline that misuse the Institute's address and exploit public trust during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Council tax Covid-19 scam targets public

Posted: 19 May 2020

UPDATES: A fake Government-branded council tax reduction email is using the financial strain of lockdown to harvest personal and banking details, prompting CTSI to warn the public not to click links and to report suspicious messages to Action Fraud.
 

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.
 

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 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.