Thursday 3 November 2011

Help stamp out scams

Shoppers are being urged by Bath & North East Somerset Council to help tackle scams and counterfeit goods by filling in a survey which could win them £25.

The Council is supporting National Consumer Week and encouraging people to complete a survey to share their experiences and attitudes towards scams with the Trading Standards Institute.

Anyone who completes the survey at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/events/ncw2011-survey.cfm by Monday 7 November will be entered into a prize draw to win a £25 M&S voucher.

The Trading Standards Institute is focusing on sporting fakes and scams during its National Consumer Week, from 21 to 25 November, with the message “Good Sports Don't Fake It!”

“Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting the National Consumer Week campaign against fake sports goods and bogus ticket sellers in the interests of our residents, visitors and legitimate traders.
 
“Far from being a ‘victimless’ crime, the sale of counterfeit goods undermines genuine, high street retailers and costs local jobs, not to mention the poor consumers who get ripped off by the tickets that seem too good to be true.

“We hope members of the public will complete the Trading Standards Institute’s survey to help clamp down on scammers and maybe even win a prize – it’s probably the only time you could get something good out of an experience with scams.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council is also working with local sports shops, universities, colleges and sports clubs/associations district-wide to publicise the anti-counterfeiting message.