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 26th 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.