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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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Fund opens to tackle loan sharks

Posted: 09 April 2021

UPDATES: Community organisations and charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from money seized from convicted loan sharks, with funding aimed at awareness work, victim support and local crime reduction projects.
 

Public warned of NI phone scam

Posted: 09 April 2021

UPDATES: CTSI is warning the public about an automated National Insurance scam that threatens legal trouble and asks recipients to press 1, exposing them to identity theft and wider financial risk.
 

Sniffing out criminal activity

Posted: 08 April 2021

ANALYSIS: Wagtail's detection dogs have become a powerful asset for trading standards teams, uncovering huge quantities of illicit tobacco, cash and other contraband while highlighting the training, welfare and specialist handling behind successful enforcement work.
 

New banking scams emerge

Posted: 29 March 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are sending bank security texts that mimic major high street names and ask consumers to confirm payments through malicious links, prompting CTSI to urge direct checks with banks and reports to 7726.
 

ACG campaign takes on online fakers

Posted: 28 March 2021

UPDATES: Operation CLOVER brings together the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, the Intellectual Property Office and Facebook to target online sellers of fake goods as lockdown-driven shopping patterns create fresh opportunities for counterfeiters.
 

LTS raises red flag on undelivered mail

Posted: 16 March 2021

UPDATES: London Trading Standards has warned that some companies using mail forwarding services may be unlawfully preventing consumer correspondence from reaching them, prompting nationwide engagement with the sector to safeguard complaints handling and legal compliance.
 

Bogus Royal Mail text sent to public

Posted: 11 March 2021

UPDATES: CTSI has warned consumers about a convincing SMS scam impersonating Royal Mail to collect payment and personal details. The fraud exploits the growth in online shopping and parcel deliveries, underlining the need for vigilance against increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks.
 

CTSI announces new Chief Executive

Posted: 04 March 2021

UPDATES: CTSI has appointed John Herriman as its new Chief Executive. Bringing leadership experience from the military, education and membership sectors, he sets out his ambition to strengthen the Institute and support the profession through the challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit.
 

Evidence gathering for a 'copycat' action

Posted: 03 March 2021

ANALYSIS: Misleading 'copycat' packaging can distort consumer choice even without counterfeiting. Examining the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, this article explores how trading standards can gather evidence to demonstrate mistaken purchases, mistaken attribution and breaches of consumer law.
 

Unauthorised pet database warning

Posted: 22 February 2021

UPDATES: CTSI is warning pet owners about an unauthorised microchip registration website that could leave lost animals untraceable on approved databases, highlighting the importance of using recognised services and strengthening checks on online pet registration providers.
 

Phone scam targets home workers

Posted: 15 February 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are targeting people working from home by posing as internet providers and persuading victims to install remote-access software. Learn how the scam works and the warning signs that can prevent financial loss.
 

Obituary: Neil Pardoe

Posted: 10 February 2021

UPDATES: A tribute to former Cheshire Trading Standards leader Neil Pardoe, reflecting on a distinguished career in public service and the lasting impact he made on colleagues and the profession.
 

Obituary: Dennis Wilce

Posted: 08 February 2021

UPDATES: Remembering Dennis Wilce, whose long life and remarkable career in Trading Standards left an enduring legacy through decades of dedication to consumer protection and public service.
 

New Motor Ombudsman Chair

Posted: 05 February 2021

UPDATES: Former CTSI Chief Executive Ron Gainsford OBE has been appointed Chair of the Motor Ombudsman, bringing more than four decades of consumer protection experience to the role.
 

CPRs vs. the Fraud Act

Posted: 05 February 2021

ANALYSIS: Choosing between offences under the Consumer Protection Regulations and the Fraud Act can have significant consequences for investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. This analysis explores the factors that should guide charging decisions.
 

New vaccine email scam emerges

Posted: 04 February 2021

UPDATES: Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 vaccination programme with convincing phishing emails designed to steal personal information. Find out how the scam operates and the advice issued to consumers.
 

Fur coats and fraudsters

Posted: 02 February 2021

ANALYSIS: A fraud spreading in Germany offers timely lessons for UK enforcement officers. Examining the 'fur coat and gold' scam reveals how confidence tricksters manipulate trust and exploit vulnerable victims.
 

Brexit scam text sent to public

Posted: 27 January 2021

UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting uncertainty surrounding Brexit by sending text messages that direct recipients to fake websites. Officials explain how the scam works and how consumers can protect themselves.
 

FCA issues 'clone firm' warning

Posted: 27 January 2021

UPDATES: The Financial Conduct Authority has warned consumers about clone investment firms after reporting substantial fraud losses. The update explains the threat and highlights the precautions investors should take.
 

Copycat marketing: a game of clones

Posted: 21 January 2021

ANALYSIS: Copycat marketing sits at the intersection of branding, consumer perception and the law. This feature examines how imitation products mislead consumers and the legal principles used to tackle them.