How do I report a scam to Trading Standards in the UK?
Report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline at 0808 223 1133. Citizens Advice passes reports to Trading Standards and can advise on your consumer rights.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Trading Standards is the local authority body responsible for enforcing consumer protection law in the UK, covering areas such as unfair trading, counterfeit goods, misleading price claims, and rogue traders. You cannot contact Trading Standards directly for consumer complaints; instead, go through Citizens Advice, which triages and escalates to the relevant local authority team.
The Citizens Advice consumer helpline is 0808 223 1133 and is available Monday to Friday. You can also report online at citizensadvice.org.uk. Advisers will listen to your complaint, assess which consumer rights apply, and submit the report to Trading Standards on your behalf. They can also advise on whether you are entitled to a refund under consumer protection legislation.
Trading Standards is effective for complaints about businesses — rogue builders, fake goods, subscription traps, and energy mis-selling — rather than individual scammers. If your complaint is about an organised criminal fraud, Action Fraud is the primary channel, but Trading Standards and Action Fraud share intelligence.
For scams involving food, product safety, or illegal medical products, Trading Standards works alongside the Food Standards Agency and the MHRA. If you purchased a dangerous or counterfeit product, this is the route to ensure the product is removed from sale.
Common red flags
- A trader used high-pressure doorstep selling and did not mention your cooling-off rights
- A product was significantly different from how it was described
- A business was trading without the required licences or registrations
- A service was deliberately misleadingly priced
- You were sold counterfeit or unsafe goods
- A subscription continued after cancellation
What to do now
- Call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or report online at citizensadvice.org.uk
- Keep all receipts, contracts, and correspondence
- If the trader is still on your property, call police if you feel threatened
- For criminal fraud, also report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
- Contact your card issuer if you paid by card
- Visit /report-a-scam for the full UK reporting pathway
Frequently asked questions
Will Trading Standards contact me after I report?
Citizens Advice will acknowledge your report. Trading Standards may contact you if they need more information or are pursuing an investigation. However, many complaints are processed without direct follow-up.
Can Trading Standards get my money back?
Trading Standards can take enforcement action against a business but does not directly return consumer money. However, their involvement strengthens your case with your bank or card issuer for a chargeback or refund.