Who are Trading Standards?

Local authority trading standards professionals act on behalf of local consumers and businesses. They advise on and enforce laws that govern the way consumers and businesses buy, sell, rent and hire goods and services. There are around 200 trading standards services within the UK. Each prioritises their work according to the steer of their local authority. However, the focus of local trading standards is safeguarding the interests of consumers and businesses in their local areas.

Local trading standards services are at the forefront of tackling fraud, scams and financial abuse through their activities in identifying, visiting and supporting victims of scams and investigating fraud and consumer related criminal offences. They actively work in partnership with the NTS Scams Team to deliver key education to help promote the continued health and wellbeing of those potentially at risk. (e.g. www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk).

Working with trading standards services is the key to supporting scam victims, as is working in partnership with other organisations such as the Police and Adult Social Care. Local authorities have a legal duty to engage with anyone who may be suffering abuse or neglect and who has care and support needs under the Care Act 2014. Scams are considered to be "financial abuse" under the Care Act. This will be discussed in more detail later on.