Watch Out For ‘Pushy’ Advertising Agencies
Local businesses and schools in Bridgend County Borough are being urged to watch out for unsolicited calls from people claiming to represent advertising agencies and publishing houses.
Bridgend County Borough Council’s Trading Standards service has received complaints after schools and departments within the local authority reported receiving phone calls from so-called advertising agencies seeking payment for advertising space in newspapers and other publications.
Following an investigation, Trading Standards officials are concerned about the authenticity of the services being offered by some of these agencies and are making further enquiries.
Councillor Charles Smith, Member of the Joint Committee for Shared Regulatory Services, said:
“While there are many legitimate advertising agencies seeking the custom of our local businesses, I would encourage people to be mindful of rogue traders.
“Some unscrupulous individuals aggressively seek payment for advertising space that does not exist. What may at first seem like a call from a friendly, trusting person could lead to pushy bullying tactics and harassment at a later stage, so please be aware. Contact Trading Standards if you feel that you’ve been harassed or mislead, or if you feel pushed into making a decision that you have later regretted.”
Anyone wishing to make a complaint can call Trading Standards’ business advice line on 01656 643479 or email tradingstandards@bridgend.gov.uk.
Shared Regulatory Services is the regional regulatory service covering Bridgend County Borough, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. It has been established to run services including trading standards, environmental health and licensing.
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