Dear Keith...
Dear Keith is an advice column for Leicestershire Trading Standards, which can be found in the
Leicestershire Matters publication.
Thousands of people contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct every year. We have chosen some of the most frequently asked questions for our head of consumer services, Keith Regan, (pictured) to answer for you.
If you are a consumer and have an issue you would like some information and advice on consumer issues, then please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
If you are a local business and require some assistance with a dispute, or would like to know more about trading law, then you can call the Leicestershire Trading Standards advice line on 0116 305 8000.
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November 2009
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- When Christmas shopping how do I avoid problems for friends wanting to return gifts to shops? Also, what are my online shopping rights?
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May 2009
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- Have you any tips to avoid being conned by rogue traders?'
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January 2009
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- Targeting Rogue Traders - We want your help to catch rogue traders in Leicestershire.
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January 2009
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- Loan Sharks - The bank wouldn’t lend me £550 for car repairs and a friend told me about a man who lends to anyone. The man lent me £600 immediately and didn’t need any paperwork. I’ve paid him £15 a week for 50 weeks, except three weeks I missed. He’s now threatening me as I can’t pay him £500 extra interest. Is there any way out of this mess?'
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November 2008
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- I would like to buy some Christmas decorations. What safety issues do I need to consider?
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July 2008
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- I run an internet based business working from home. What help and support can trading standards offer me?
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March 2008
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- I need to have some work done on my house. How can I find a reputable trader?
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November 2007
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- With Christmas in sight, I would like to know where I stand with refunds or exchanges for unwanted or faulty gifts.
- Reducing the fear of crime
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September 2007
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- I get several letters a day saying I've won something, someone will tell me my fortune or some other scam. What can I do about this?
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July 2007
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- I want to buy some outdoor play equipment. What safety issues do I need to consider?
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May 2007
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- How can I be sure that I'm buying a legitimate second-hand car?
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Autumn 2006
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- Please help! The money coming in no longer meets my bills etc. I feel like I'm sinking under the pressure of debt!
- I'm about to start Christmas Shopping and remember a scare last year about decorations that caught fire. What should I avoid?
- Say 'no' to cold callers
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Summer 2006
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- After receiving various letters from 'astrologers' and 'psychics' or regarding prize draw offers, my elderly uncle sent out a total of £317 - but he has received nothing in return. Is this legal or can we stop these letters?
- A private advert in my local newsagent's window offered: "Earn thousands of pounds weekly with no investment whatsoever!" I sent a £20 registration fee, and got a job pack requiring me to find more people who would pay me the registration fee, Is this legal?
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Spring 2006
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- My friends keep saying how good it is to buy and sell on Internet auction sites. What advice can you give me to stop me from being conned?
- I want a solicitor to advise me on a complex legal matter, how do I choose one?
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Autumn 2005
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- A year ago I purchased a new carpet for my home. Although it came with a seven year guarantee it is wearing badly. The retailer says it is acceptable wear and tear. What can I do?
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Summer 2005
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- I am about to book my summer holiday abroad, what advice would you give me to help me avoid any problems?
- I purchased a three-year-old car three months ago and I have taken it back to the garage to repair the same fault on four occasions. Do I have to put up with this?
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Spring 2005
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- My child is receiving unsolicited text messages which are costing around £1.50 for each. What can I do to stop them?
- I am fed up with receiving postal junk mail, telephone sales calls, automated prize notifications and unwanted e-mails. What can I do to stop them?
- I'm so used to imperial units that when I go shopping I'm not sure how much I need to buy. Could you help?
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Autumn 2004
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- I need to buy a car seat for my child, how do I know if I am using it correctly?
- How do I know that the Christmas presents I am buying my children will be safe?
- I'm always worried when someone I don't know knocks at my door. How can I prevent becoming a victim of doorstep crime?
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More frequently asked questions can be found on the
Consumer Direct website.
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