Resources and Further Reading

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Trusted routes

Find the right help and official information

Use this resource hub to find current reporting services, consumer guidance, business-compliance information and official accreditation registers.

Choose the section that matches your situation. If there is immediate danger or a crime is happening, call 999 rather than completing an online form.

Start here

Choose the right route

Immediate danger

Call 999 when a crime is happening, someone is in immediate danger or urgent police help is needed.

Non-emergency crime

Contact your local police online or call 101 for a crime that does not require an emergency response.

Fraud or cyber crime

Use Report Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report fraud through Police Scotland on 101.

Consumer problem

Citizens Advice can explain your consumer rights and pass appropriate complaint information to Trading Standards.

Payment at risk

Contact your bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly using an official number and ask what protective or recovery routes apply.

Anonymous information

Crimestoppers accepts information about crime anonymously. It is not the police and should not be used for emergencies.

Crime and consumer help

Official reporting and support services

These services have different responsibilities. Use the description to choose the route that fits your concern.

Report FraudReport fraud and cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Police.uk reporting guidanceFind the appropriate route for reporting a crime to the police Citizens Advice consumer serviceFree, impartial guidance about consumer problems Report to Trading StandardsSend relevant information through the Citizens Advice consumer service Financial Ombudsman ServiceComplaints about how a financial business handled fraud or a scam CrimestoppersGive information about crime anonymously
Who does what?

Use each service for its proper purpose

Report Fraud records and assesses fraud and cyber-crime reports; submitting a report does not mean that Report Fraud will investigate the individual case. For emergencies and other crimes, use the appropriate police route.

Citizens Advice gives consumer guidance and passes relevant information to Trading Standards. Trading Standards decides whether to investigate or take enforcement action and does not usually resolve an individual refund or workmanship dispute for you.

The Financial Ombudsman Service deals with complaints about regulated financial businesses, such as how a bank or payment provider handled a fraud complaint. It does not decide the underlying dispute about a trader’s workmanship. Complain to the financial business first.

For trade businesses

Compliance and business guidance

HSE risk-assessment guidanceIdentify hazards, assess risks, control them and review the controls HSE PPE guidanceCurrent guidance on personal protective equipment at work ICO guidance for small organisationsData-protection tools for SMEs and sole traders GOV.UK invoicing guidanceInvoice information and payment obligations GOV.UK licence finderCheck whether business activities may require a licence
Check accreditation

Official schemes and registers

Check the business name or registration details on the scheme’s own website. A logo on a van, leaflet or website is not enough.

Gas Safe RegisterFind or check a registered gas engineer NICEICSearch for a registered electrical business NAPITSearch the NAPIT registered-installer directory FENSAFind installers and check window or door certificates CertassCheck certified contractors for relevant building work HETASFind registered biomass and solid-fuel installers NSIFind approved security and fire-safety providers SSAIBSearch for registered security and fire-safety firms TrustMarkSearch the government-endorsed quality scheme OZEV installer guidanceCheck the current authorised-installer list for chargepoint grants
Further business reading

Trade and business organisations

These independent organisations publish information for businesses or particular trade sectors. Check their own terms, services and eligibility before relying on them.

British Chambers of CommerceBusiness information and the accredited chamber network Federation of Small BusinessesResources and representation for small businesses and the self-employed Institute of DirectorsInformation and resources for directors and business leaders Association of Plumbing & Heating ContractorsInformation for plumbing and heating contractors National Federation of BuildersResources for builders, contractors and housebuilders Federation of Master BuildersInformation for builders and consumers
TradeWatch resources

Guides on this website

Advice for homeownersPlan work, keep records and deal with problems How to check a tradespersonChecks to complete before agreeing to work How TradeWatch vets tradespeopleThe checks behind TradeWatch Approved status Support after trade-related crimeReporting routes and practical support Best-practice guides for trade businessesJob planning, safety, customer service and compliance
Need a tradesperson?

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Homeowners can request free quotes from vetted local tradespeople. Reputable, accredited trade businesses can apply to join TradeWatch.

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External websites are provided for further information and are not controlled by TradeWatch. Links do not imply endorsement, and services or guidance may change. This page is general information, not legal, financial, tax or health and safety advice.