Consumer Protection advice from our Economic Crime Unit

Have you paid for a good or service and not received what you expected?

Officers from our Economic Crime Unit are sharing advice to the local community about what to do if you have paid a company for goods or services and not received what was promised.

A business that takes payment but fails to provide the agreed goods or services may be subject to a criminal investigation for fraud, and you may also be able to pursue the matter civilly for breach of contract. 

Officers will investigate reports of fraud where appropriate. However, after reporting the issue is recommended that you contact Citizen’s Advice for guidance on any further action you may take against the company.

Reporting to Citizens Advice

Reporting an incident to Citizens Advice is free and can be done over the phone or online.

Advisors can give you practical advice on consumer problems and outline any legal action that could be taken.

They may be able to help you get your money back and can pass your complaint to trading standards who have the power to take enforcement action against the business, including taking them to court or preventing them operating.

For more information on Citizens Advise click here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call 101 to report it to police or alternatively report fraud online at: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk