Scams Awareness Month lifts the lid on the latest scams
Do you know your vishing, from your phishing and smishing? The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has reported a seven per cent increase in the number of fraud offences recorded in … Continue reading
Devon loan shark told: pay back £315,000 or face more time behind bars
A loan shark, who ran an illegal money lending business for nine years, has been ordered to pay back £315,000 in proceeds of crime. Paul Stretch, aged 58, of Twickenham … Continue reading
Appeal for information about loan sharks
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) are appealing for information about loan sharks in Devon. The Team work in partnership with Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards and Devon … Continue reading
No ID? No sale! Businesses urged to sign up for free online training
Traders selling age-restricted goods in Devon, Somerset and Torbay are urged not to put their livelihoods at risk and use a free online training tool to help them stay on … Continue reading
Devon farmer found guilty of animal welfare offences
A Devon farmer found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal has been given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay £6,307. At Exeter Magistrates Court on Wednesday … Continue reading
Changes to our business advice charges
From 1 April 2018 we will be charging for all tailored business advice*. This will be charged at £80 per hour (plus VAT). We are introducing these charges to maintain … Continue reading
Laundered cash used to compensate rogue trader victims
A convicted rogue builder has been ordered to pay back £90,000 of his illegal earnings. John Carroll, 26, of Cricklade, who is serving 38 months in prison for fraud, had … Continue reading
Bridgwater businessman fined after alcohol was sold to a 17-year-old
The owner of an off-licence has been ordered to pay almost £4,000 after alcohol was sold to an underage customer from his premises. Abdullah Ulgut, 47, the proprietor of Value … Continue reading
On-line trader sentenced for selling dangerous skin lighteners
An online trader who made thousands from selling banned cosmetics and cures which she falsely claimed could cure serious illnesses, has been given a nine-month suspended prison sentence. Merarie Day, … Continue reading
Energy efficiency grant scam warning
Trading Standards is again warning Devon residents to check the credentials of companies selling energy efficiency products following an increase in consumer complaints. A recent example is a company who … Continue reading