We provide a consumer advice service where you can make a complaint or enquiry. Initial enquiries and complaints are now dealt with by our partners at Consumer Direct, a telephone and online advice and information service for consumers in Great Britain, funded by Government.

You can speak to an adviser by telephoning 08454 04 05 06.

You can visit the Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk where you can find information and advice on consumer issues. You can also make an online complaint or enquiry.

Know Your Rights When Shopping

If you need to return goods to a shop and are not sure of your rights, here are some FAQ's to help you out -

"I took some faulty goods back to the shop, but the trader pointed to a notice which stated "No Refunds". Is this correct?"
No. Traders cannot restrict their liability for faulty goods. In fact these notices are illegal and the trader may have committed a criminal offence.

"I want to purchase a three piece suite that is on display in a shop. The shop refused to sell it to me. Does a shop have the right to refuse to sell goods?"
Yes. Goods on display in a shop are there for you to make an offer to buy. The shop is not obliged to accept your offer. The same applies where goods have been labelled with the wrong price. The shop does not have to sell at that price.

"I purchased some clothes which I have now found do not fit me. The trader will not take them back and give me a refund. Is he correct?"
Yes. You only have a claim against the seller if the goods are faulty or misdescribed.

"I would like to buy goods on the Internet. Do you have any tips?"
Consumer Direct provide some tips on safe e-shopping on their website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Scams - Don't Get Caught Out!

There are many different types of scams, sent to us daily by post, telephone or text message. The Office of Fair Trading provides guidance on how to recognise a scam and how to avoid being caught out. Visit their website at www.oft.gov.uk.

Buying at Home

Consumer Direct provide some tips for consumers on shopping from home, including shopping on the Internet. Visit their site at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Unwanted Telephone Sales Calls?

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) helps you to make sure your telephone number is no longer available to organisations who may telephone you with offers and information you do not wish to receive.

You can either do this by contacting companies directly and asking them not to phone you or you can register at the Telephone Preference Service's website.

Unwanted Sales Faxes?

The Fax Preference Service (FPS) gives an individual (which includes consumers) the opportunity to register fax numbers on which they do not wish to receive direct marketing messages.

You can do this by registering at the Fax Preference Service's website.

Unwanted Junk Mail?

You can have a say about the direct mail that comes through your letter box. The Mailing Preference Service supports your right to choose.

You can register at the Mailing Preference Service's website if you choose not to receive direct mail.

Unwanted Electronic Mail?

You can have a say about the unwanted electronic mail that can be sent by marketers. The Direct Marketing Association runs an E-Mail Preference Service which enables you to opt-out of receiving such messages.

You can register at the E-Mail Preference Service's website if you choose not to receive such mail.

The Office of Fair Trading also provide tips on how to avoid receiving 'spam' emails, your rights and how to complain if you receive such emails. Visit their site at www.oft.gov.uk.

Toy Safety

Check before you buy

Here's a checklist you should consult before you buy childrens toys:

Age Warnings
These are safety warnings. They tell you how old children must be to play safely with a particular toy. Will young brothers or sisters have access to the toys?

Small Parts
Avoid toys with small parts for young children. These can be inhaled, cause choking or be put into ears or noses. Beware of small parts which can become loose or be bitten off.

Filling Materials
Fillings in soft toys can choke young children. Check all seams are secure.

Toys with Hair
Loose hair is a serious choking hazard to young children. Check all hair is securely attached.

Food-like Toys
Don't buy any toy which your children are likely to put in their mouths because they think it is food.

Toys and Sweets
Sweets sold as part of a toy may confuse some children. Will your child be confused?

Sharp Edges
Examine toys for sharp or rough edges, points or splinters.

Finger Traps
Toys which fold or have hinges may trap children's fingers. Check that locking devices work properly. Lots of children want micro-scooters but several types have been withdrawn from sale. Check our website for product recall information or call 08451 55 55 56.

12 tips to buy safely

Age Warnings

• These are safety warnings. They tell you how old children must be to play safely with a particular toy.

  Small Parts

• Avoid toys with small parts for young children. These can be inhaled, cause choking or be put into ears or noses. Beware of small parts that can become loose or be bitten off.

  Filling Materials

• Filling in soft toys can choke young children. Check all seams are secure.

  Toys With Hair

• Loose hair is a serious choking hazard to young children. Check all hair is securely attached.

  Toys And Sweets

• Sweets sold as part of a toy may confuse some children. Will your child be confused?

  Sharp Edges

• Examine toys for sharp or rough edges, points or splinters.

  Finger Traps

• Be aware that toys that fold or have hinges may trap children's fingers. Check that locking devices work properly.

  Cot Toys

• Don't buy cots or prams with long or loose strings. These can become entangled with a child's body or cause strangulation.

  Toys That Fly

• Bullets, arrows and other toys that fly through the air can be dangerous. Consider if your child might misuse such toys. Follow all instructions and warnings.

  CE Mark

• This is required to be on all toys.

  Warnings

• These offer guidance that must be followed.

  Instructions

• These tell you how to use the toy safely.

Are you buying the right toy for the right age child?

• Under 3 years old

  Children under 3 tend to put everything in their mouths. Don't buy toys intended for older children, which may have small parts that pose a choking danger.

  Never let children of any age play with uninflated or burst balloons because of the choking danger.

  Children at this age pull, prod and twist toys. Look for toys that are well made with tightly secured eyes, noses and other parts.

• Aged 3 to 5

  Avoid toys that are constructed with thin, brittle plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.

  Teach older children to keep their toys away from their younger brothers and sisters.

• Ages 6 to 14

  For all children, adults should check toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged or dangerous toys should be repaired or thrown away.

  If you buy a bicycle for any age child, buy a helmet too, and make sure the child wears it.

  Teach all children to put toys away when they're finished playing so they don't trip over them or fall on them.

Candle Safety

Candles mark special occasions and create the right atmosphere in your home on winter evenings, they can also create disasters.

The flame may be small but more than five fires a day are started by candles. Every year almost 2000 people in the UK need hospital treatment following accidents caused by candles. Treat lighted candles as you would any other flame - with care! Follow all safety warnings supplied with the candles.

• Keep candles away from draughts and anything that can easily catch fire like furniture or curtains.
• Don't let candles fall over, always place them on a level surface. Candles should be kept in a proper holder.
• Always place candles on a heat resistant surface. Night lights and tea lights can melt plastic surfaces like TV tops and bathtubs.

Remember - use a glass or metal holder for scented candles which turn into liquid to release their fragrance.

• Don't lean across candles. You could set fire to your clothes or hair.
• Always leave at least four inches (10 cm) between two burning candles.

Remember - Don't put candles under shelves or other surfaces.

• Don't let anything fall into the hot wax, like matchsticks.
• Use a 'snuffer' or spoon to put candles out. Its safer than blowing them out, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.
• Always put candles out before you move them and do not touch until fully cooled.

Extinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning and never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child's bedroom.

• Keep them out of reach of children and animals.

Fife Fire and Rescue Service offer all householders a free Fire Safety Visit.

A Community Fire Safety Officer will visit your home free of charge and offer advice on a variety of fire safety issues.

For more information, or to arrange a visit telephone free on 0808 100 3141 or text the word FIRE to 61611.

Mini Motorbikes Advice

Parents who are considering letting their children ride a mini motorbike or similar motorised scooter are being urged to think twice before going out to purchase such machines.

Since the rise in popularity of these machines among the younger generations there has been a steady increase in the number of complaints from members of the public about nuisance.

It is acknowledged these machines are in the main being bought as "toys" by well-meaning parents, despite strict manufacturing guidelines, which state they should be used under close supervision and sold for off-road use only.

Parents appear to be overlooking the risks and dangers of using these machines, and are not aware of the hidden potential dangers of allowing their children to ride these vehicles in public places.

For example, did you know if your mini motorbike or motorised scooter is fitted with an internal combustion engine it cannot be classed as a toy and is considered a mechanically propelled vehicle?

In fact mini-motorcycles were not designed to be used on roads or footpaths, however if these machines are ridden anywhere to which the public have access then the rider must comply with all relevant legal requirement.

They should be ridden with care and consideration and without causing alarm, distress or annoyance to any member of the public and parents are being urged to be aware of the law and consult with the sellers about legislative requirements and if possible, the location of approved tracks.

So what is the law?

Here is a quick guide to the legislative requirements:

What does the machine require to be legally used on a road?

• Must be registered.
• Must be taxed.
• Is subject to MOT regulations.
• Require a number plate, lights etc. to be fitted.

• Must be over the age of 16 years.
• In most cases must wear a suitable crash helmet.
• Must hold a valid driving licence.
• Must hold appropriate certificate of motor insurance.

• Possible court appearance for rider, owner and even parents of young riders.
• Possibility of courts issuing a fine.
• Possibility of endorsement on driving licence.

Where can these machines be legally ridden?

• On private land if the consent of the landowner is obtained.
• Cannot be ridden on paths, verges or in public parks.

No Credit?

Have you been refused credit?

What are your rights?

The Data Protection Commissioner produces a leaflet that can give you guidance. It is available to download here. (This is a large file which may take some time to download, right click and select 'Save Target As' to save the file to your hard drive). You may need to obtain and install the free Adobe Acrobat PDF reader from the Adobe website.

How to complain.com

Howtocomplain.com is an independent British website aimed at making complaints work for everyone: consumers, companies and government. Howtocomplain.com can help everyone to achieve these goals by providing information for people and by helping all parties to communicate efficiently.

It contains three easy steps to complain online. Visit their site at www.howtocomplain.com.

Rip Off Tip Off.net

Ripofftipoff.net was officially launched in December 2001. It was developed by Trading Standards and the DTI.

The site is designed to let you warn others about traders who you think are 'Ripping Off' the UK public. Some of the things they would like to hear about are:

• cowboy builders
• unscrupulous doorstep traders and car dealers
• counterfeit product sellers
• loan sharks

Your information can be anonymous.

Visit the site on ripofftipoff.net.

Essential Information for Buying a New Build Home

Fife Council has produced a guidance leaflet, "Essential Information for Buying a New Build Home". This guide is for anyone - first time buyer or existing owner - who is taking that step. It is available to download. (This is a large file which may take some time to download, right click and select 'Save Target As' to save the file to your hard drive). You may need to obtain and install the free Adobe Acrobat PDF reader from the Adobe website.

Guidance notes and leaflets

Either go to listing

• Our self-help advice sheets
• Guidance notes and leaflets you can order from us

Or search the advice sheets and leaflet titles

This search will return all pages which match any of your selected words. Searching for 'food health' will find pages which include the words 'food' OR 'health' but will not find part words, for example, a page containing the word 'heal'. The search is not case sensitive.

If you require any of the self-help advice sheets which are produced by this Service in large print, Braille or audio format, these will be made available on request.