A new online and telephone consumer advice service has been launched as a result of £600,000 Scottish Government funding.
Consumeradvice.scot provides advice to people on a range of issues, including buying products online and in shops, changing mobile phone and internet providers, and purchasing travel insurance.
To make the service more accessible, support can be accessed online through web chat, email or social media, as well as by calling a freephone number 0808 164 6000.
The service is being run by the Advice Direct Scotland charity. Business Minister Jamie Hepburn visited the charity’s contact centre in Glasgow to launch the service.
Jamie Hepburn said: “The new consumer advice service will give the people of Scotland access to advice that matters to them. Whether they’re experiencing issues with a used car they’ve purchased, a holiday booking they’ve faced problems with, or a trader who has been working on their properties the new service is there to help.
“We are using Scotland’s devolved consumer powers to provide a flexible service which protects and empowers the people of Scotland while supporting businesses which are innovative, efficient and fair.”
Pamela Stewart, deputy CEO of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “We want to provide all citizens of Scotland with practical consumer advice and information which makes a difference and remains completely free to use.
“Accessing advice that people need shouldn’t cost them a penny. We operate Freephone number 0808 164 6000 to ensure nobody is left out of pocket, whether they are phoning from a landline or a mobile.
“But if people would prefer to send us a quick message on Facebook or they fancy a web chat with one of our friendly advisors, we have a range of other options to get in touch.”
Faye Wilson, of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS), said: “It’s vital that the public have access to advice and information when they are faced with consumer problems.
“It is also important that local authority trading standards services work with Advice Direct Scotland to ensure that the intelligence gleaned from the experiences of consumers can be used to protect the public and legitimate businesses from unfair trading and unsafe products. The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland looks forward to working with the new service.”
Consumers can seek help using the following contact details:
Freephone: 0808 164 6000
Web chat: www.consumeradvice.scot
Email: advice@consumeradvice.scot
Online: www.consumeradvice.scot
Social media: Facebook (m.me/advice.scot2)
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