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VAT Changes
The following information is intended to assist retailers in
complying with Trading Standards pricing legislation due to
changes in the standard rate of VAT. Please click below.
OFT Know Your Rights Campaign
The new statistics have been published by the OFT as it launches a Know Your Consumer Rights campaign to warn people about problems they may encounter when buying a used car.
More information is also available at our Consumer Page
Computer Scam Warning
Trading Standards is warning consumers to be on their guard if they receive unsolicited phone calls informing them that they have viruses on their home computers. This is a known scam.
The callers, falsely claiming to be help desk staff from the legitimate well-known IT company Microsoft (also referred to as “Windows”), appear to be randomly telephoning people and misleading them into believing their computer is infected by a virus and needs immediate attention. Several local residents have been persuaded to part with large sums of money for the company to ‘fix’ the problem.
The general trend is for the scammer to state that they are aware that the consumer’s computer is infected with a computer virus however they will be able to remove the virus. The consumer then allows the caller remote access to their computer and the scammer goes through a fictitious process of removing a virus. The scammer then only allows the consumer to regain control of their computer if a fee of between £85 and £250 is paid.
Not only is the consumer swindled out of this unnecessary fee but has allowed the criminal access to their computer for what can easily be up to two of hours. During this time the scammer may have gained access to personal information and password details. Potentially the scammer will then have access to personal email accounts, bank accounts and information that may be used for identity theft purposes.
If remote access is given to scammers the consumer is best advised to change passwords and even bank account details and ensure the computer is checked by a legitimate computer technician to ensure viruses and other adverse software has not been downloaded to their computer.
Legitimate IT companies do not telephone their customers and offer to remotely remove viruses and anybody receiving such a call should be immediately suspicious and not allow remote access.
Consumers are advised to ensure that they have up to do anti virus software on their computers which can be purchased from reputable computer businesses, downloaded for free from the internet and some internet providers include antivirus software for free with their packages. Consumers may contact their internet service provider or a local computer technician for further advice.
Trading Standards would further advise that if consumers receive unsolicited telephone calls, or doorstep visits, offering to supply goods or services consumers should not feel pressured in to making a decision. Obtaining a number of quotes and shopping around for the best service and the best price should help to ensure you don’t fall victim to high pressure sales tactics. Everyone should feel confident in saying “No thank you” in their own home and taking the time to decide on the right purchase for their needs.
Scams can be reported to Consumer Direct Scotland on 08454 040506 who can also offer free advice if a payment has been made.
Company admits unfair practices
A joinery firm has been fined after trying to dupe two north-east customers into signing contracts worth thousands of pounds.
Central Scotland Joinery Ltd pleaded guilty at Aberdeen Sherriff Court after two customers said they had been fooled into signing a deal for work to be done on their homes.
The firm was fined £6750 after admitting engaging in unfair commercial practices with the customers in Aberdeen and Portlethen last year.
The court heard employees tried to get customers to sign a misleading document that would cause the average person to make a decision they may not otherwise have made.
The company also admitted trying to falsely persuade one customer that certain products would only be available for a limited period.
The court heard customers were deprived of the opportunity and time to make an informed choice.
The firm which also trades as Northern Scotland Joinery , is based at Dundas House Westfield Park, Eskbank, Dalkeith.
Both firms were fined £2,500 in August for similar offences which led to other members of the public being tricked into signing legally binding contracts.
Defence agent Alastair Mackie told the court that the company had made amendments to it’s forms, which have been checked over by trading standards and comply with all regulations, and that all members of staff have been given updated training. He added that some members of staff had felt under pressure to secure contracts for double glazing to boost their commission sales.
Tobacco Legislation is changing
There are two important changes coming into force as a result of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010. These changes will have an impact on all tobacco retailers.
As of the 1st April all tobacco retailers must sign up to the tobacco register. This can be done via www.tobaccoregisterscotland.org or if a paper copy is required contact Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards on 01467 628323.
Retailers have until the 1st October to register, after which any retailer continuing to sell tobacco without being registered will be committing an offence.
It is already illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18, but the new legislation sets out the documents which are acceptable as proof of age where there is any doubt as to the age of the purchaser.
These documents are;
- Passport
- EU photo card driving licence
- Pass approved photo identification cards
If you require a Pass Information pack on age restricted sales, or require any other information, you can contact Trading Standards on 01467 628323 or 01346 510505.
Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulations 2011
The new Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulations 2011, were introduced In the UK on 23 February 2011. The Regulations will replace entirely the current regime in the UK by repealing the Timeshare Act and revoking the Timeshare Regulations 1997. See BIS guidance for business.
The Act, as amended by the Timeshare Regulation 1997 ( Regulation Website ), implements a European Directive. Consumer safeguards when buying a timeshare from a UK based company include:
- a 14 day cooling off period during which the buyer can withdraw from the contract
- the seller may not ask for or accept any money from the consumer during the cooling off period
- a brochure in the consumer's preferred language setting out information about the timeshare
- written notice of the right to cancel the contract and a cancellation form
For any queries please contact: trading.standards@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Motorists Tyre Warning
Aberdeenshire Council is advising motorists to be on their guard after identifying local car tyre suppliers who don’t always give the best advice to their customers.
Ten local tyre suppliers were visited by undercover officers who asked if they needed new tyres for their car.
All the tyres on the car were legal and had been examined by a vehicle engineer who confirmed they were safe and did not need replacing.
Encouragingly, eight of them gave correct and honest advice and did not try to obtain business unfairly.
However, two of the traders stated that the tyres were illegal and needed to be replaced immediately.
Trading Standards conducted the survey to ensure not only that consumers are given the best advice, but that unscrupulous businesses are not gaining an unfair advantage over those who act professionally and comply with the law.
With winter approaching it’s important car tyres are safe and legal and drivers should examine them regularly for tread depth and signs of undue wear or damage.
Drivers should however be able to rely on the advice provided by tyre suppliers and this survey highlights that obtaining checks and quotes from two or three suppliers can help protect the consumer.
The survey also found a huge difference in the price of tyres quoted, ranging from £40 for a budget tyre to over £100 for a performance tyre.
Consumers are advised to shop around for the best price and get advice from at least two garages on the most appropriate tyre for their vehicle.
Chairman of the Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, said: “In many aspects of car maintenance consumers rely on the advice provided by traders and it is vitally important that the advice is accurate and reliable.
“Consumers are entitled to have confidence in traders and I am pleased that Trading Standards have looked at this issue and identified those who were not providing the best advice and potentially abusing their position.”
ISC vice-chair Jill Webster said: “Tyres are such an important element of vehicle maintenance as they are the only part which is in contact with the road, yet so many people don’t know how to look after and replace them properly.
“Many will rely on friendly advice from their local tyre supplier and that should be a positive experience which they can rely on.”
The council’s principal trading standards officer, Kevin Fleurs, added: “The law requires that businesses provide accurate advice to consumers and do not encourage them to buy products when it is unnecessary.
“The businesses who failed to provide adequate advice have been warned about their actions and future conduct.
“As with most products and services we would recommend consumers shop around to ensure they get the best deal”
Consumers wishing to make a complaint should contact Consumer Direct Scotland on 08454 040506.
Traders seeking advice should contact their local Trading Standards offices, or email: trading.standards@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
In recent weeks two Aberdeenshire traders have been convicted in the Sheriff court of selling cigarettes to under 18’s.
Trading Standards regularly conduct covert test purchases using 16 year old volunteers to check if retailers are breaking the law and if cigarettes are sold the business is investigated and reports are sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
A Peterhead retailer was fined £200 and a Fraserburgh retailer fined £100.
However Trading Standards also provide free business advice to traders selling tobacco products and will visit retailers to provide advice, best practice and literature in an effort to reduce the instances of tobacco being sold to those under 18.
Any business requiring advice should contact Trading Standards and information relating to any person selling tobacco to under 18’s should be reported to Consumer Direct Scotland on 08454 040506.
Woman To Pay Back £105,000 For Selling Counterfeit Goods
In July 2006 around £11,000 of counterfeit goods were seized and after a lengthy investigation, Fiona Begg pleaded guilty in November 2008 to their possession with intent to sell and a sentence of 300 hours community service was imposed.
The clothing was labelled and packaged to appear to be genuine items made by luxury manufacturers such as Diesel, Burberry, Prada, Armani, Lacoste, Dolce & Gabbana, Timberland and Henri Lloyd.
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said its Trading Standards service welcomes the conclusion of the case, relating to offences of supplying counterfeit clothing on the ebay website.
"The trade in counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime and is estimated to be worth around £10 billion in the UK alone; the exchequer loses around £3 billion of revenue every year."
"The proceeds of crime order of almost £105,000 reflects the size of Begg's involvement in the sale of counterfeit clothing and is one of the biggest proceeds of crime orders in a Trading Standards case so far across the UK.
"The size of the order should send a clear message to anybody involved in the supply of counterfeit goods that Trading Standards services will not hesitate to investigate these offences and the courts can impose large orders to recover any profits made from such crimes."
Would you like to gain valuable workplace experience with Trading Standards?
If you are aged between 16 and 161/2 and could work with us for a day or two in the next few weeks you would gain an insight into the work of Trading Standards enforcement.
We are looking for volunteer young people to assist us with undercover test purchases of age restricted goods such as tobacco and fireworks.
Please click the link below for more information.
