Swansea Council is continuing its clampdown on illegal advertising on social media websites.
The latest case at West Glamorgan Magistrates Court has led to a Loughor man being hit with fines of nearly £4,000.
David Sean Govier from Borough Road, Loughor was using social media to advertise a credit brokerage and debt advice business.
The Council’s Trading Standards discovered that Mr Govier had not sought the proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to his business.
Mr Govier pleaded guilty to an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and two offences under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. The Magistrates imposed fines totalling £3,850.
The Council is urging other businesses to ensure they are advertising their businesses legally or could face similar consequences.
Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Healthy City, said: “Our Trading Standards Team is using social media more and more to look at businesses that are advertising services to see if they are doing it legally.
“Consumer Credit and Debt advice is a specialised service which because of its nature requires businesses to be fit and properly authorised to carry out those services in a professional manner.
“Anyone seeking to advertise a business such as this should seek proper guidance and advice from the relevant regulatory body before they do anything. “
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