Trading Standards NI

Working to achieve a fair trading environment and informed, confident consumers. We tweet news, alerts and info. For complaints/enquiries call 0300 123 62 62.

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

As the World Cup prepares to kick off, TSS have received reports of scam letters targeting residents in Northern Ireland. These letters ask you to make contact to claim your winnings and will likely ask for payment to release winnings, bank account & personal info.
#scamaware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Selling online? Make your business a success.
Getting online selling right from the start will ensure you reduce complaints, build trust, protect your reputation & support long‑term business success.
👉 https://t.co/SasyGrpt8r
#NIBusiness #OnlineSelling #ConsumerProtection

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

This year’s World Metrology Day theme is Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making & marks the 151st anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20th May 1875.

World Metrology Day highlights the importance of accurate and reliable measurement in every aspect of life.

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

TSS warns of scammers posing as car finance lenders offering fake compensation. Use MoneySavingExpert’s tools to check your car finance and draft a complaint: https://t.co/QiDp2aPJui. No solicitor or upfront fees. Don’t share bank details. #ScamAware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Do you sell products, services or digital content online? Understanding your legal responsibilities is vital.
When customers buy online, they rely on the info you provide. Getting it right helps avoid mistakes, complaints and builds customer confidence.
https://t.co/WJwWX0ODIh

[Economy NI @Economy_NI]

Economy Minister Dr @CArchibald_SF has launched @TSSNI Businessline, a dedicated telephone helpline designed to support local businesses with trading standards regulations.

Find out more ➡️https://t.co/FXwe79PAFZ

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

🤔 Not sure if an investment firm is genuine?
🔎 Use the FCA Register to check if a firm is authorised.
If they’re not listed, your money may not be protected.
A quick check could save you money and heartbreak
Learn more 👉 https://t.co/5tevq4p6Hj

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Scammers often ask for ID to “set up” fake investment or crypto accounts. If you’ve shared your passport or driving licence, it could be used to open bank accounts, apply for loans or credit in your name.
https://t.co/vxhqk4km4J
#ScamAware

[Competition & Markets Authority @CMAgovUK]

We’ve ordered the AA and BSM driving schools to refund thousands of learner drivers + pay a fine of £4.2m over illegal drip pricing.

More than 80,000 customers will be refunded after they weren’t shown the total price upfront when booking lessons online:
https://t.co/mO38UfAAjq

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Be wary of emails stating there is a problem with your Apple account.

Apple will never ask you to verify your account via email links, threaten to delete your data unless you act immediately or use generic greetings.

#ScamAware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Signs of a scam site:

Unofficial website addresses – look closely for typos or sites similar in name e.g. https://t.co/5CzM0Q1Ip2 instead of https://t.co/mUiWefSGRE

Prices or offers that sound too good to be true

Poor spelling/grammar, pixelated images/graphics & dead links.

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

We are reminding the public of Ask Silver - the free AI-powered scam checker.

Check emails, texts & websites you’re worried about by taking a photo and uploading to Ask Silver at https://t.co/07vqhsQ7ud

Ask Silver uses AI to spot red flags and gives steps on staying safe.

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Many of us are worrying about energy bills & fraudsters are cold-calling people saying they are from a well-known price comparison site offering special deals.

Unless you’ve requested a call back, a price comparison site shouldn’t cold call you. Never give personal/banking info.

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Fraudsters set up fake sites to steal your money and some holidaymakers turn up to find the accommodation is not what was expected or worse.... it doesn’t actually exist.

Use trusted sites, use a credit card, check there is contact details & conduct a reverse image search.

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Be wary of scam NatWest 'unusual transaction' emails. The email states the amount spent & where it was spent to panic you & act quickly.

It provides a mobile number to call which is not linked to NatWest. Always check your online banking & contact your bank directly. #ScamAware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Be wary of emails impersonating Apple telling you 'your system is heavily damaged by viruses.'

The emails ask you to click a link to 'remove viruses' which lead to a phishing website or malware being downloaded.

Report scam emails to [email protected]

#ScamAware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

🚨 Don't miss: CTSI's Consumer Rights and Remedies for Businesses Contracts are the backbone of strong business–customer relationships but navigating consumer law can be complex.
📅 19 or 23 March Book now: https://t.co/2NADKTWHIv #BusinessSupport #ConsumerRights #SME

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Even if you know a call is a scam, never keep them on the line talking and hang up immediately. Help keep yourself safe by: Checking bank statements regularly, Never disclose private or banking info and report scam numbers to 7726. #ScamAware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Fraudsters pose as your bank & invent bogus reasons to share personal info, provide security codes, provide remote access & transfer money to an account they control. Check if your bank offers caller verification facilities to be sure it's really them calling #ScamAware

[Trading Standards NI @TSSNI]

Be wary of messages claiming to be from EE advising you to redeem your points in exchange for rewards/prizes.
EE DO NOT RUN A POINTS PROGRAM!
Read more here: https://t.co/Ho1CinWIGF