Shut out Scammers Campaign

Last week CNES Trading Standards Officers participated in the Police Scotland multi-agency Shut out Scammers campaign.  The campaign targets doorstep and bogus crime and raises awareness of offenders who cold call people and scam them out of money.

As part of the campaign, officers from the Comhairle took the opportunity to provide timely advice to local traders to stop them from falling foul of the law, particularly when selling away from business premises. Advice was also provided on Business Names legislation and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. 

A spokesperson said: “We are reminding local businesses about The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation & Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 which require that Traders provide certain information in writing, or e-mail, at certain times before and after a contract is made.

“In some circumstances when Traders are providing goods or services costing over £42 in a consumers home or place of work, they must give a 14 day cancellation period.

“Under this legislation, failure to provide a consumer with a notice of their 14 day cancellation rights may be a criminal offence.

“Advice was also given regarding the necessity to keep good business records, and model cancellation forms which comply with the legislative requirements were provided to Traders.”

Businesses can access Free, Impartial Legal Guidance (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)  or contact Trading Standards on 01851 822694.

For Consumer advice telephone 0808164000.