Consumers and traders are being urged by Leicester City Council's Trading Standards Service to 'shop' rogue traders online at www.ripofftipoff.net.

In an effort to help stop cowboy traders from ripping-off the public, trading standards services across the country have joined forces with the Department of Trade and Industry to develop the new anonymous 'rip-off' website.

Rogue builders and car dealers, unscrupulous doorstep traders, traders who sell or make counterfeit goods, loan sharks, bogus homeworking schemes, bogus competitions are just some of the areas that the 'rip-off tip-off' team want to hear about.

Ronald Ruddock, Trading Standards Manager, says, "Sometimes people are reluctant to get involved and report a 'rip-off' - this online facility now means that they can provide information about a rogue trader by completing and submitting a simple form on the Internet without supplying any personal details.

"I urge people who have access to the Internet to check out the website at www.ripofftipoff.net.

"If you don't have access to the Internet you can still report rogue traders by visiting us at the Consumer Advice Centre in Bishop Street, Leicester, by ringing 0845 4040506 or by visiting any city council library and using an Internet connection there.

"REMEMBER, your information could help stop someone else from being conned or ripped-off."