News
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ warns scam website links to fake Trading Standards hotline
Posted 05/06/20
The ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ (³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ) warns the public to be aware of bogus websites claiming to be a "Trading Standards Call Connection Service."
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ has received evidence of a fake website which sends callers to a premium rate number which the site claims charges £1.55/ minute plus access charges. The phoney website lists the address of ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, giving the impression that it is officially endorsed by it.
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Chief Executive, Leon Livermore, said: "³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ does not offer a consumer helpline service. Citizens Advice manages the UK's consumer support service through the Consumer Helpline, which is free of charge.
"It sickens me that unscrupulous individuals are attempting to profit from the good name of ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ and Trading Standards with a fake hotline.
"The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic has left the general public increasingly vulnerable, and I urge everyone to be aware of potential scams on the internet, through the phone and on the doorstep."
For consumer queries, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, or for textphone: 18001 0808 223 1133
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and are completely free of charge. Lines are closed on bank holidays.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Press Office:Ìý[email protected], 01268 582240
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³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ (³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ)
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the Trading Standards profession since 1881 nationally and internationally. We aim to raise the profile of the profession while working towards fairer, better informed and safer consumer and business communities.
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services in local authorities and in businesses.Ìýwww.tradingstandards.uk
