Jo urges residents to avoid raw deal this Christmas

12.01.00am GMT Mon 24th Dec 2007

Jo Swinson has today urged constituents to use a special advice line offered by the Scottish Consumer Council if they receive poor service or faulty goods over the festive period.

Jo urged East Dunbartonshire residents to use the Consumer Direct Scotland hotline on 08454 04 05 06 as the first point of contact for any complaints over faulty goods or services.

Jo said:

"Over the festive period, it is more important than ever that consumers know where to turn if they fall victim to poor services or shoddy goods from companies. The Consumer Direct hotline should be everyone's first port of call with any problems this Christmas.

"Across East Dunbartonshire, residents need to be aware of the presence of rogue traders and trading scams. The consumer hotline is a valuable tool in the battle against unscrupulous companies and organisations this Christmas and throughout the year.

"Consumer Direct offers first-line advice to consumers but it is also there to assist local authorities to meet their objectives. Much of the information supplied by the public via Consumer Direct is passed on to local Trading Standards Officers, who can then investigate scams and rogue practices which undermine consumer and business confidence.

"Over the festive period if people are not happy with their Christmas purchases and have a problem they can't resolve, they should contact Consumer Direct Scotland on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk."