News

Kent Trading Standards have received several enquiries concerning companies advertising to purchase gold for record prices.

It has been reported in the press and by various other Trading Standards services that not all of these companies are offering fair prices for the gold being sent to them.  click + click

There have been several incidents where consumers with gold worth £200-£300 have received cheques from gold buying companies for £40 or £50 and some even as low as £4.25.Trading Standards are urging residents to photograph any items of jewellery together with any written valuations from other retailers, before sending their gold.

When trading with gold companies ensure you have a return address for them before sending your gold to them. Some consumers have found they want to reject the value offered and have their goods returned but are unable to contact the trader as no address has been given.

Some of these companies are giving 7 days in which to contact them to agree the amount offered or request their goods back, however if consumers are not contacting them within that time (and it is very difficult to do that without an address) these companies are going ahead and smelting the gold, assuming that the consumer's silence is acceptance.

Trading Standards would advise consumers to shop around, it is not illegal for traders to under price the value of the gold, and Trading Standards have limited powers in restricting these practices.

Consumers should be very aware of the pitfalls of these scenarios before parting with their goods.

If you have had any problems similar to the above and would like further advice please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
 

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Trading Standards have been advised of the details of a new scam.

The consumer receives a call from someone who says they are from a well known travel company. The caller is offering a discount card which costs £99. Purchase of the card entitles the consumer to discounts from car hire and facilities within the travel industry.

During the call the consumer is asked for his banking details or credit card number.

Please be extremely cautious if you receive a call of this type and do not divulge any of your personal details to any unknown individual or business.

If you have any concerns get the callers details and then contact Consumer Direct for advice. Their telephone number is 08454 04 05 06.