Has your home been damaged by Storm Ciaran? Beware of rogue traders…

Our trading standards service is urging householders, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard for rogue traders who might try to take advantage of the damage caused to … Continue reading →

19 million lose money to scams but fewer than a third report

#NoBlameNoShame campaign launched to encourage people to talk about scams. 73% of UK adults – or 40 million people – have been targeted by scams, with 35% – or 19 … Continue reading →

Rogue trader jailed

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is warning rogue traders that if they break the law they will be prosecuted after Ambrose Christopher Reilly from Plymouth was jailed … Continue reading →

Shopkeeper admits selling counterfeit tobacco

A Taunton shopkeeper has pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit tobacco and has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of community work. Allen Ahmadi, 31, proprietor of Wawel Polish shop, … Continue reading →

Plumber who defrauded elderly couple given suspended sentence

A rogue plumbing and heating engineer who ‘preyed’ on an elderly couple, defrauding them of £13,000, has been given a 12-month suspended prison sentence. Gary Coombes, 58, of 20 Quantock … Continue reading →

Traders reminded to check ID on age-restricted goods

Traders are being reminded that they are putting their livelihoods at risk by not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods. The warning from Heart of the South West Trading … Continue reading →

“People really, really need to be on their guard”, warns Trading Standards scams expert

Consumers’ champion, Martin Lewis, has had to repeat his advice for people not to engage with online adverts promoting investments. The Money Saving Expert’s spokesperson reiterated: “Martin NEVER does adverts … Continue reading →

Businesses are urged to prepare for this October’s ban on some single-use plastics

Our Trading Standards service is reminding businesses, such as takeaways, sandwich bars, care homes and retailers who supply certain single-use plastic items, that a ban comes into force this October, … Continue reading →

Shop selling vapes and drug paraphernalia to children closed down

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service has worked with police to close a second store in Taunton which was selling vapes and drug paraphernalia to children and counterfeit … Continue reading →

Trading Standards warning over new text message scams

Residents in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay are being warned to be on their guard against text message scams where fraudsters impersonate family members. The warning comes from Heart of … Continue reading →