Consumer Advice
Discover ways to avoid being scammed. Get some expert advice and reports on the latest consumer issues and consumer law.
How to complain
-
Returning goods
Brush up on your consumer knowledge and get tips on receipts, returning goods and guarantees.
-
Complaint letters
Follow these useful guidelines on what you should and shouldn't do when writing a letter of complaint.
-
Mediation
Read our expert advice on where to turn when customer/company relationships break down.
Consumer law
-
Legal system basics
A guide to the UK legal systems and consumer laws.
-
Sale of goods
The laws that every consumer should know when putting in a claim.
-
Supply of services
Know when you're entitled to a repair or replacement.
-
Other civil laws
Be aware of the regulations and acts relating to goods and services.
-
Credit
The Consumer Credit Act and your rights against credit card companies.
-
Criminal law
Consumers are protected by specific criminal laws too.
-
Enforcing the law
You may need to take action in the civil courts to resolve the issue.
-
Scotland
There are some minor differences in Scottish civil and criminal processes.
Money matters
-
The small print
A look at some of the potential pitfalls hiding in the small print when making a purchase
-
Budgeting
Martin Lewis offers up his tips on how to overhaul your finances and save up to £3000 per year.
-
Saving money
Here are some top tips and advice on what to do for the best with your savings in these recession-hit times.
-
Managing debts
If your bills are mounting up, face the problem with some helpful tips on how to manage debts.
-
PPI Q&A
Confused about Payment Protection Insurance (also known as PPI)? Here's our handy Q&A factsheet.
-
Care plans and warranties
These extra forms of protection can add considerable cost to a purchase. Are they worth it?
-
Finding your lost pension pot
There are three billion pounds in unclaimed pensions. Don't let your money be part of it.
Scams
-
Doorstep traders
Older people are being warned about doorstep traders offering home maintenance in run-up to winter.
-
Shopping safely online
Some information and general advice on how to avoid common pitfalls when shopping online.
-
Identity theft
Learn how to protect your details and stop them from getting into the wrong hands.
-
Credit card fraud
People are still taken in by old-style credit card scams - avoid being taken in with our practical advice.
-
Scam mail
Check out how these mass marketed scams operate to make sure you don't get caught out.
-
Staying safe
The Financial Conduct Authority takes you through some useful tips to help you stay safe from scams.
Cars
-
Car fuel costs
Learn how to cut your petrol or diesel car fuel costs and save you money.
-
Choosing a reliable mechanic
Trading Standards officer Laila Benfaida gives advice on how to choose a reliable mechanic.
Holidays and travel
-
Flight delay compensation
Find out what rights you have if you have been delayed by more than three hours.
-
Data roaming charges
It can be easy to run up a high bill when abroad. Here's some useful advice on how to avoid a 'bill shock'.
Utilities
-
How to compare, switch and save on energy bills
Are your energy bills going up? It's probably time you thought about a switch.
-
Getting a good gas fitter
Information and advice to ensuring that your gas fitter is up to standard, with helpful tips from the Gas Safe Register.