Council services

We offer a range of contacts for consumers to assist them with their consumer problems. These include:

• Problems they may be having with traders with faulty goods or services purchased.
• Advice as to their legal rights when shopping for goods or services.
• General pre-shopping advice when looking to buy specific goods or services.
• Keeping you up to date with current scams and other consumer issues.
• Will respond urgently to enquiries and complaints concerning doorstep traders.

Counterfeit / Fake Goods

Counterfeiting, fakes, copies, call it what you like, it's simply theft. It is the theft of someone who has worked to put the ideas together, to make computer games, clothes, movies or toys whether that be an individual person or a multi-national business. Legislation implemented by the government highlights this fact by making it a criminal offence under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

If you have information relating to the sale of counterfeit goods please report the matter to Consumer Direct.

For further information visit the following websites:

• Consumer Direct (or call 08454 04 05 06 Monday-Friday, 8am-6.30pm and Saturday, 9am-1pm)
• Trading Standards - Southend