Consumer advice
Have you ever felt conned or ripped off by a business or
tradesperson?
Getting refunds for faulty items, or trying to find out where your
undelivered goods have gone can be frustrating.
This is where trading standards can help.
We provide support and advice for consumers and businesses, and
help to ensure that companies don't take advantage of vulnerable
customers.
Consumer advice in Perth and Kinross
We will handle complaints against companies or businesses
trading in Perth & Kinross.
We also handle consumer complaints made by residents of Perth &
Kinross.
If you need to make a complaint, please:
-
provide all the relevant details and
documents
-
be prepared to provide statements about what has
happened
-
if necessary, be prepared to attend court as a
witness We aim to provide an initial response within
three working days.
Responsibilities of Trading Standards
Criminal law complaints:
- Where the complainant and trader are both in Perth and Kinross,
the complaint will be fully investigated.
- If the trader is located outwith Perth and Kinross, but the
locus of offence is in Perth and Kinross, we will normally
investigate the complaint fully.
- We offer free advice to consumers and businesses as well as
investigating offences and prosecuting offenders.
Criminal legislation enforced
- Some of the areas we are responsible for
include: description and safety of consumer goods, estate
agents' property descriptions, credit and loans, pricing
and ensuring weights and measures equipment is correct. See the legislation and enforcement section
here.
Civil law complaints:
- If the complainant resides in Perth and Kinross, the
complainant will only be given advice and information in respect of
the civil complaint, regardless of location of
trader.
- If the complainant resides outside Perth and Kinross and trader
located in Perth and Kinross, we will direct the complainant to
their local Trading Standards Service.
- We will attempt to give you enough information and advice to
enable you to take the appropriate action. (See Small Claims
information below)
For advice on a range of consumer topics/issues, visit Trading
Standards Institute. Advice on writing letters of complaint and
sample letters can be found at
Consumer Direct.
All consumer complaints
- We will advise you about your legal rights when buying goods or
services.
- In addition we have a wide range of advisory leaflets to assist
in the resolution of consumer problems free of
charge.
- All staff will respond to customers in a courteous, helpful and
positive manner and will make their identity known to the
customer.
- Where the service is not authorised to deal with an enquiry we
will endeavour to direct the customer to the correct
agency.
- The customer will be clearly advised, if in our opinion, no
action is possible by
anyone.
- If a home visit is required we will arrange a suitable
appointment.
What is the difference between Civil Law & Criminal
law?
Visit
AskCedric.org for a brief explanation
We are not able to:
- demand refunds
- demand replacements
- demand apologies from traders
- close traders down
- take court action on your behalf
Other Consumer Advice Resources
Unwanted Sales Calls, Junk mail and Junk email
