Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards

With an approximate population of 120,000, 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

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.