Stay informed with the latest updates on UK consumer protection laws, scam alerts, product recalls, and industry news to help safeguard your rights and make informed decisions.
(26 May 2025) LONDON – The Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB) is proud to announce the launch of our Open Membership Campaign – a nationwide initiative to grow our movement and strengthen our independence in defending consumer rights.
(22 May 2025) LONDON – If the NEF becomes a political stronghold, the credibility of the State’s entire social policy collapses. The fight against poverty cannot and must not be placed under the control of any political party.
(07 April 2025) LONDON – The Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB) is proud to declare a major victory for consumers and a direct success of our recent campaigns aimed at strengthening transparency, fairness, and accountability across UK markets. We welcome the UK Government’s adoption of tougher consumer protection measures under the newly reinforced Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, and applaud the leadership of Justin Madders MP, Minister for Competition and Markets, for taking decisive action.
(04 April 2025) LONDON – In the intricate web of modern financial systems, UK credit rating agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion wield enormous power over consumers' financial lives. What happens when these institutions, designed to assess creditworthiness, become tools that unfairly penalise legitimate consumer actions? A recent case under Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB) investigation highlights this troubling dynamic.
(25 March 2025) LONDON – Bitcoin, once hailed as the future of finance, has become a breeding ground for scams that exploit unsuspecting investors. Many individuals, drawn by the promise of high returns and financial freedom, have poured their hard-earned money into fraudulent schemes, only to end up losing everything. Making matters worse, online review platforms like Trustpilot have played an unintended role in enabling these scams by allowing unchecked and fake reviews to mislead potential victims.
(18 March 2025) LONDON – The CPB has issued a formal challenge to Trustpilot regarding the platform's review moderation processes, citing significant concerns about transparency and fairness. Despite multiple engagement attempts dating back to February 2025, Trustpilot has remained unresponsive to requests for clarification, casting doubt on its claims of operating an open and unbiased review platform.
(11 March 2025) LONDON – As the world grapples with climate change and the cost-of-living crisis, World Consumer Rights Day 2025 calls for urgent action to empower consumers in shaping a greener, fairer economy. Under the theme "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles," this year's campaign emphasises the need for sustainable, affordable, and accessible choices that protect both people and the planet.
(5 March 2025) LONDON – Consumers are raising concerns over Trustpilot’s review moderation practices, alleging that the platform selectively removes negative reviews, potentially misleading the public and compromising its credibility.
(11th February 2025) LONDON – CPB is proud to announce its official membership in Consumers International, the world’s leading consumer advocacy network. This milestone underscores CPB’s commitment to championing consumer rights, promoting ethical business practices, and driving policy change in the UK and beyond.
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) was established with the noble intention of providing consumers with an independent, fair, and impartial platform to resolve disputes with financial institutions, including insurance companies and registered lenders regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, the stark reality is that the FOS has devolved into a compromised institution that routinely prioritises the interests of powerful financial corporations leaving countless consumers disillusioned and betrayed. Evidence continues to mount of systemic bias, a lack of transparency, and decisions tainted by financial dependency. This blog tears down the facade and exposes the FOS as more of a smokescreen than a genuine protector of consumer rights.
(24th November 2024) LONDON – In an incident at an Asda store in West Sussex, a vigilant consumer successfully challenged misleading price labelling, highlighting the importance of consumer awareness and advocacy. This case reminds shoppers to remain alert and assert their rights when facing pricing discrepancies.
In a major win for regulatory compliance and consumer rights, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority has fined HSQ Holdings Ltd, PL1 Holdings Ltd, and director Mohammed Wazim Nazir for severe violations. The action follows a formal intervention by the Consumer Protection Bureau UK.
Sales season brings great deals, but do you know your rights when it comes to refunds? Contrary to popular belief, UK consumer protection laws may still entitle you to a refund on discounted items. The Consumer Protection Bureau breaks down the facts.
Are service charges mandatory in the UK? The Consumer Protection Bureau explains your rights when dining out, including whether restaurants must clearly disclose fees and if you're legally obliged to pay them.
Counterfeit goods threaten consumers and businesses worldwide, accounting for over 3.3% of global trade. The Consumer Protection Bureau highlights the risks, from fake electronics to unsafe pharmaceuticals, and urges stronger enforcement to protect consumer rights and ensure product safety.
Counterfeit goods are a growing concern in the UK, deceiving consumers and harming reputable businesses. From electronics and designer clothing to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, fake products undermine consumer trust and pose serious risks to health and safety. Being able to identify counterfeit items is vital for protecting your consumer rights and avoiding financial loss. The Consumer Protection Bureau offers guidance to help you avoid falling victim to these scams.
Black Friday (29th Nov 24) and Cyber Monday (2nd Dec 24) offer exciting deals, but also attract scams and low-quality products. To safeguard your consumer rights during these high-pressure sales events, it's important to shop smart and verify sellers. The Consumer Protection Bureau encourages UK shoppers to plan ahead and avoid impulsive purchases that may lead to consumer complaints or regret.
At the Consumer Protection Bureau, we want to ensure your festive season is safe, joyful, and free from consumer complaints. During Christmas and New Year, sales are tempting, but scams and financial traps are common. Protect yourself by following our practical advice on budgeting, recognising legitimate retailers, and reporting suspicious activity under consumer protection laws in the UK.
Online reviews significantly impact consumer decisions. Trustpilot, a widely used review platform, claims transparency, but growing concerns about biased moderation are surfacing. Are negative reviews being filtered unfairly? The Consumer Protection Bureau explores the implications for consumer protection and how UK shoppers can make informed choices even when faced with potentially skewed ratings.
Celebrated on March 15, World Consumer Rights Day highlights the global push for consumer rights and sustainable choices. The 2025 theme, "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles," promotes accessible and equitable living without compromising individual needs. As a UK advocate for consumer protection, the Consumer Protection Bureau supports this mission and urges all stakeholders to help build a fairer, more responsible market.
Have you ever received a demand for money to release a parcel held abroad? This alarming scam is becoming increasingly common. Victims are often misled without documentation or legal basis. The Consumer Protection Bureau is raising awareness across the UK, helping individuals file a consumer complaint and take action against delivery scams and exploitative practices.
