Cost of living: how Trading Standards is helping protect consumers and businesses
During the cost-of-living crisis, Trading Standards is working to protect vulnerable consumers and support businesses. This page brings together trusted advice and information to help you stay safe and informed.
Why this matters
Criminals may exploit financial hardship by:
- running targeted scams
- Increasing unfair commercial practices
- misleading vulnerable consumers
We are also seeing new challenges for businesses trying to operate fairly in difficult conditions.
What Trading Standards is doing
To help, we are:
- monitoring scams and unfair practices linked to the cost of living
- raising awareness of consumer rights and protections
- supporting businesses with advice and guidance
- providing a central hub for trusted information
What you will find on this page
- Types of scams linked to the cost of living crisis
- Advice for consumers on staying safe
- Guidance for businesses on fair trading
- Links to trusted support services
This page is regularly updated to reflect new threats and advice.