Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards

 

With an approximate population of 120,000 in the Vale, our service impacts on every resident and commercial organisation in the county. Our purpose is to promote, maintain and ensure a fair and equitable trading environment whilst protecting the interests of consumers and local businesses alike. 

 

Latest News

 

May 2012

Guidance to Traders during the Olympic Torch Relay & Games

 

 

On the 26^th May 2012, the Olympic Torch passes through the Vale of Glamorgan. 

 

It is anticipated that many people will line the streets to witness this historic event and both the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. 

 

Whilst it is hoped that communities get fully involved, Trading Standards are offering guidance to businesses during the Olympics.

 

There are issues with the use of certain terms and symbols relating to the Olympics that businesses need to be aware of. 

 

 

Prohibited Symbols include:

• The use (for commercial purposes) of the Olympic rings.
• Paralympic agitos.
• The London 2012 logos
• Use of the two mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville. 

Prohibited terms include the words:

• Olympic
• Olympian
• Olympiad
• Paralympic
• Paralympian
• Paralympiad
• Their plurals, translations and anything similar to them. 

For example, a retailer offering for sale an ‘Olympic Sandwich’ or printing T shirts with with Olympic logo without consent may be committing a criminal offence.

 

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games has had to raise the hundreds of millions of pounds necessary to organise and host the Games from the Private Sector – by selling sponsorship, official merchandise and tickets. The value of the London 2012 brand is therefore crucial to LOCOG’s funding.

 

It is hoped that retailers will want to enjoy the added value that the Olympics and Paralympics bring to Wales and that they will fully embrace the guidance provided.

 

Should you have any queries in relation to your business and the Olympics or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Trading Standards or The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

 

 

 

April 2012

Important Product Recall - Hyundai and Synergy Vacuum Cleaners

 

The following notice has been issued by the retailer:

 

CUSTOMER NOTICE

 

IMPORTANT PRODUCT RECALL

 

Vacuum Cleaners

 

Product Codes:
PLU 256749 HYUNDAI 1200W CYCLONIC VAC
PLU 249368 SYNERGY 1200W/1400W CYCLONIC VAC

 

A quality problem has been identified with a small amount of the above vacuum cleaners which reportedly have been known to overheat, emitting black smoke and eventually combusting into flames. As a result they have been taken off sale and as a precaution we are recalling those already sold. If you have one of the affected vacuum cleaners, please stop using it immediately.

 

Customers who have purchased any of these vacuum cleaners should return it immediately to any Poundstretcher store where a full refund will be given. A receipt is not necessary.

 

WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED
THIS RECALL DOES NOT AFFECT ANY OTHER PRODUCT

 

January 2012

'Microsoft' Scam Continues

Vale Trading Standards are once again warning Vale residents to beware of calls from people falsely claiming to be Microsoft computer security engineers after a spate of complaints.

 

The scammers, who have foreign accents, advise that Microsoft has received reports of a risk of a computer security threat and go on to offer free security checks. They refer to their victims by name which adds to the authenticity.

 

The fraudsters then request remote access to the computer.

This gives them access to personal information held on the computer, including account log-in information and bank details, which can be used to commit fraud. Victims may also pay for any remedial work allegedly done by the fraudsters.

 

Vale Trading Standards are offering the following advice to consumers:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company. Microsoft tech support NEVER cold call customers. 
• Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller even if you are given a telephone number to call back to verify the caller.
• Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from unsolicited callers.
• Take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities
• Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software
• Make sure security updates are installed regularly
• Use a strong password and change it regularly
• Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date

To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707. For further information or to report a call, residents can contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

 

December 2011

Trading Standards Institute issue energy saving scam warning.

 

The Trading Standards Institute is urging consumers to be aware of rogue telephone cold callers offering energy saving devices after trading standards up and down the country reported hundreds of complaints.

 

Trading standards are currently dealing with more than 200 complaints about people claiming to be their energy supplier or working in partnership with them, offering a plug in device which they say can save them 40 per cent off their energy bills.

 

Trading standards have had a number of the items tested which not only failed to satisfy electrical safety standards but do not deliver any tangible energy savings.

 

To view the full press release and advice for consumers see the Trading Standards Institute.

 

 

 

 

November 2011

National Consumer Week 21st - 25th November -  'Good Sports don't Fake it'

 

Remember Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington's parents?  They were unable to watch her Beijing Olympic success because they had been misled into purchasing tickets from a fake website - tickets that never arrived.

 

Sporting events are heavily profiled at the moment in the media due to the London Olympics and Team GB successes in various disciplines including cricket, badminton, cycling, swimming, triathlon, rowing  and sailing.

 

Other popular sports like football and rugby are also high profile and every area of the country has a sports club or association, race or play off - all vulnerable to fraudulent products and services.

 

The Trading Standards Institute and Trading Standards are using this universal interest to raise awareness during National Consumer Week of fakes and scams that include:

 

• Fake branded sports clothes and equipment
• Fake ticket websites and tickets
• Fake travel/accommodation packages

 

For further information about the campaign, please see the Trading Standards Institute.