The Trading Standards
(external link) service within West Lancashire is provided by
Lancashire County Council.
Trading Standards protects the interests consumers and businesses -
they enforce consumer protection legislation and provide free
advice to consumers and businesses.
Consumer advice
From overcharging to faulty goods, from dodgy workmanship to
reporting dishonest traders and scams - the
Consumer Direct website
(external link) offers clear, practical consumer advice to
help you:
- Help you sort out a problem or disagreement with a trader
- Help you complain to a trader
- Help you make a complaint about a trader that you believe has
done something wrong
- Tell you what your rights as a consumer are
- Provide pre-shopping advice before you buy goods or
services
- Provide general advice on how to avoid unscrupulous traders or
"cowboys"
- Explain consumer-related issues such as warranties, buying on
credit, internet shopping, refunds and replacements etc.
- Provide advice on avoiding trading scams and rip-offs (you can
also report any scams you have experienced)
- Direct you to a regulator or other organisation if it is better
suited to assist you