Credit where it’s due! Council’s Trading Standards Team prevent folk losing £120,000 through scams

The Council’s Trading Standards Team may be small in number – but they are packing a mighty punch when it comes to helping the public.

They were able to get £110,000 returned to someone who had been scammed of their life savings and prevented another losing £7,500 thanks to advice provided on an advertising scam. A number of energy supplier issues were resolved and refunds made.

Analysis of the Council’s Customer Services platform reveals that during the three months between July and September last year, Trading Standards received 23 messages of thanks for their help in resolving a variety of issues.

They ranged from helping folk get compensation and refunds, preventing people falling foul of scams, assisting in debts being written off and billing issues – they even resolved the case of a missing dog!

Gary Foubister, service manager of Trading Standards, said: “We are a very small team within the Council which makes it all the more pleasing to have received such fantastic feedback. We all work hard to try and protect consumers from illegal trading practices while also supporting legitimate businesses.

“The nature of our work means we are often assisting people through what can be very distressing periods in their lives so for them to take the time to share messages of thanks is very gratifying.”

Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure, Hayley Green, said: “Thanks to our very small team of dedicated staff within Trading Standards folk have been assisted during what can be an incredibly stressful time for those who have been scammed or are facing what appear to be insurmountable hurdles in getting refunds or compensation.

“Well done Team Trading Standards!”

Trading Standards endeavour to improve standards of fair trading and product safety and to protect the interests of local consumers and businesses.

This is done by enforcing a range of consumer and business-related legislation through inspections of trade premises, testing equipment, sampling goods and investigating complaints.

They provide advice and information to consumers and businesses and offer free consumer education events such as talks to schools and other groups. They are a key partner in the work of the Orkney Scam Action Group.

To get in touch with the Council’s Trading Standards Team call 01856 873535.