Useful website links

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The links below take you to useful consumer-related websites.

• Directgov
  A site that provides assistance and advice on consumer issues.
  
• Action Fraud
  The UK's national fraud reporting website.
  
• Safe from scams
  SafefromScams is the resource you need to learn about scams of all types.
  
• Brand-i
  Online brand and designer shopping directory backed by Trading Standards Institute.
  
• Who Calls Me
  User-supplied database of phone numbers that cold call you, with comments from consumers.
  
• Whois.net
  Find out who the owner of a website is and where they are from.
  
• Office of Fair Trading
  Government department that oversees competition law, publishes information on consumer issues, as well as other numerous duties.
  
• Department for Business Innovation and Skills
  This department has close links with much of the work of trading standards departments. It publishes many leaflets that are of relevance to consumers.
  
• Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
  Government department responsible for production of feed and all agricultural matters.
  
• Food Standards Agency
  Provides advice for consumers on the purchase and consumption of food.
  
• Financial Services Authority
  Government regulator of the financial industry. Offers advice on money, investments and the financial market.
  
• Department for Transport
  Government department responsible for the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system.
  
• Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)
  Government department largely concerned with road safety and the supervision of MOT testing.
  
• Health and Safety Executive
  Responsible for health and safety, particularly at the workplace.
  
• Consumer Focus
  Independent energy, post and telephone advice.
  
• Office of Communications (OFCOM)
  Communications industry regulator with wide ranging responsibilities across the UK's communications market.
  
• PhonepayPlus
  Industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services. PhonepayPlus investigate complaints and have the power to fine companies and bar access to services if companies breach its Codes of Practice.
  
• Ombudsman Services: Communications
  If you have a complaint against a public communications provider, the Ombudsman Services: Communications may be able to help. They provide a free and independent service, however they only deal with complaints which are made against public communications providers that have signed up to become 'member companies' of the service.
  
• Companies House
  All public limited companies and limited companies have to register certain details with this organisation by law. These details then become public information. This site is very useful for obtaining background information before you do business with any company.
  
• Financial Ombudsman Service
  This is an independent service provided to consumers who have unresolved disputes about financial firms.
  
• Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
  The ASA is the independent, self-regulatory body for advertising across all media, including marketing on websites.
  
• Air Travel Organiser's Licensing (ATOL)
  Exists to protect the public from losing money or being stranded abroad because of the failure of air travel firms.
  
• Assay Office (Birmingham) Hallmarking
  The Birmingham Assay Office is an independent organisation which has been guarding and certifying standards in the Jewellery, Silver and Precious Metal industries since 1773.
  
  How to record a complaint against a trader

Alternatively, you can complete the following form and submit direct to Trading Standards:

• Consumer Complaint Reporting Form (PDF - 604kb)

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Contact us

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Environmental Services
  Trading Standards
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1BR