In this world of corporations and businesses, we can't check up the background of every business we deal with. We, as consumers hope that businesses are being straight with us and that we are getting a fair deal, unfortunately this doesn't happen all of the time and we find ourselves cheated out of what we deserve. This page will show you what to do when that happenes and who you can talk to.

How to prevent it

Read up on it! By reading up you can be sure that you know what to do and when to do it, to ensure that you are safe from rogue traders who may be out for your money and not provide a service. Also, you can sign up to consumer websites, which name and shame these businesses, so that you know to avoid them. This is particularily common with builders, as many people give large sums to builders and never see them again.

Who Can Help

There are several Government organisations out there to help you in the event of this happening to you, including;reau of Consumer

The Bureau of Consumer Protection

The Bureau of Consumer Protection works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. The Bureau conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. The Bureau also collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country.

The Federal Trade Commission

Consumers who refer to care labels in their clothes, product warranties or stickers showing the energy costs of home appliances are using information required by the FTC. Businesses must be familiar with the laws requiring truthful advertising or prohibiting price fixing. These laws also are administered by the FTC.