FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know
About Consumer Protection

Have questions about your rights as a consumer? Find clear answers about how CPB works, what we cover, how to file a claim, and what it costs.

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1 What is the Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB)?

The Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB) is an organisation dedicated to ensuring the protection of consumer rights. We help consumers who have been misled or dissatisfied with products or services, ensuring they receive fair treatment and redress.

Based in Westminster, London, CPB operates as a UK-registered Community Interest Company established in 2011 to advance consumer rights and promote fair markets. We operate independently and do not receive industry funding.

2 How does the CPB work?

The CPB works by advocating on behalf of consumers who have experienced issues with faulty goods, poor services, misleading claims, shoddy workmanship, or unfair business practices.

We mediate between consumers and suppliers, working to resolve disputes through negotiation and, when necessary, pursuing legal action to ensure compliance with consumer laws.

3 What benefits does CPB offer to consumers?
  • Assistance in obtaining refunds, replacements, or repairs for faulty goods
  • Help with claims related to poor services, shoddy workmanship, or misleading advertisements
  • Expert guidance on consumer rights and how to enforce them
  • Representation in disputes with traders, manufacturers, retailers, service providers, and more
  • Regular updates on changes in consumer protection laws and regulations
4 How does CPB help consumers with claims?

We support consumers by:

  • Investigating the complaint and gathering evidence
  • Contacting the trader, manufacturer, or service provider on your behalf
  • Negotiating a fair resolution, such as a refund, repair, or replacement
  • If necessary, taking legal action to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws

Our team works with both individuals and businesses to resolve claims in line with applicable legislation.

5 How much does CPB charge for its services?

CPB offers four straightforward plans to suit different needs:

Supporter
£15
per year
Bronze
£50
one-time
Silver
£100
per year
Gold
POA
tailored

Supporter gives you access to CPB's consumer rights resources and newsletter. Bronze is a one-time fee covering a single dispute. Silver covers up to 10 cases within 12 months. Gold is for complex or multi-party disputes contact us for a tailored quote.

Success fee: For Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans, CPB charges a 15% success fee on any refund or compensation successfully recovered on your behalf. This applies only when we secure a successful outcome for your claim no win, no fee.
6 What kind of complaints can I bring to CPB?

We handle a wide variety of complaints, including:

  • Faulty goods (e.g. defective electronics, damaged products)
  • Poor services (e.g. bad customer service, incomplete repairs)
  • Misleading claims (e.g. false advertising, misrepresentation)
  • Shoddy workmanship (e.g. poor construction, inadequate repairs)

Our team works with both individuals and businesses to resolve claims in line with applicable legislation.

7 Which CPB plan is right for me?

Every situation is different. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right plan:

  • Supporter (£15/yr) You want to stay informed about consumer rights, access CPB's resource library, and receive our newsletter, but do not currently have an active dispute.
  • Bronze (£50 one-time) You have a single, specific complaint you want CPB to investigate and resolve on your behalf.
  • Silver (£100/yr) You want ongoing protection and may have multiple disputes throughout the year. Covers up to 10 cases within a 12-month period with priority handling.
  • Gold (price on application) Your dispute is complex, involves multiple parties, or requires more than 10 cases. CPB will create a bespoke resolution strategy for your situation.
Not sure? Call us on +44 (0)203 585 4002 or send us a message and our team will recommend the best option for your circumstances.
8 What laws and regulations does CPB ensure compliance with?

We work within several key pieces of legislation to protect consumer rights:

Consumer Rights Act 2015Ensures goods and services meet acceptable quality standards and that consumers are entitled to refunds, repairs, or replacements.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008Prohibits misleading and aggressive commercial practices.
Sale of Goods Act 1979Provides rights for consumers to receive goods that are as described, of satisfactory quality, and fit for purpose.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982Protects consumers in service contracts, ensuring services are carried out with reasonable care and skill.
Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013Governs distance selling, including online purchases, giving consumers the right to cancel within 14 days.

We ensure that traders, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers including travel agencies, transport services, insurance companies, car dealers, and banks adhere to these and other relevant laws.

9 Who does CPB work with?

CPB works with a wide range of businesses and industries, including:

  • Retailers
  • Manufacturers
  • Wholesalers
  • Service providers (e.g. travel agencies, banks, insurance companies)

We aim to ensure all these parties comply with consumer protection laws to provide fair and transparent services to their customers.

10 What should I do if I have a complaint?

If you have experienced faulty goods, a poor service, hidden charges, or any other consumer issue, take these steps:

  1. Gather your evidence keep receipts, screenshots, correspondence, or any proof of the issue.
  2. Contact CPB submit your complaint via our online complaint form, call us on +44 (0)203 585 4002, or email us directly. We aim to respond within 24–48 hours.
  3. Choose a plan select Bronze (single case), Silver (up to 10 cases/year), or Gold (complex disputes) depending on your situation.
  4. We take it from there CPB investigates your complaint, contacts the business on your behalf, and works to secure a refund, repair, or compensation. A 15% success fee applies only if we win your case.
Ready to start? Submit your complaint online or call +44 (0)203 585 4002 to speak with our team.
11 How do I file a claim with CPB?

Filing a claim with the Consumer Protection Bureau is a straightforward process:

  1. Gather documentation proof of purchase, product/service details, communications with the supplier, and any photographs or evidence of faulty goods.
  2. Submit your claim via our online form, by phone on 0203 585 4002, or by email with all supporting documents.
  3. Claim review our team will review your documentation, contact you for any additional information, and reach out to the trader on your behalf.
  4. Resolution and updates we keep you informed throughout and arrange any refunds, repairs, or compensation you are entitled to. If successful, a 15% service fee applies.
  5. Legal action (if necessary) if negotiations are unsuccessful, we may pursue legal avenues to enforce consumer protection laws and obtain a fair resolution.
12 How long does the claims process take?

The length of the claims process varies depending on the complexity of the case. Here is a typical timeline:

  1. Claim submission reviewed 2–3 business days after submitting your claim and paying the fee.
  2. Initial contact with trader within 5–7 business days of receiving your claim.
  3. Negotiation and response straightforward cases can be resolved within 2–4 weeks. Complex cases may take up to 6–8 weeks.
  4. Legal action (if required) if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiation, the process may extend to several months depending on court timelines.

Throughout the process, we provide regular updates on the status of your claim. Our goal is to resolve claims as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring a fair outcome.

13 Can I cancel or change my CPB plan?

Yes. You can cancel or change your CPB plan at any time by getting in touch with our team.

  1. Contact us: email or call our team with your cancellation or change request and we will process it promptly.
  2. 14-day refund window: if you cancel within 14 days of purchasing your plan, you are entitled to a full refund, provided no case work has commenced.
  3. After 14 days: annual plan fees are non-refundable, but you will retain full access to your plan benefits until the end of the current billing period.
  4. Active cases: if you have an open case at the time of cancellation, CPB will continue working on it until it is resolved or until you formally withdraw the complaint.

Want to upgrade, downgrade, or switch plans? Simply contact us and our team will help you find the right option.