OFT and Consumer Direct

Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service that is operated by the OFT and gives clear, practical, impartial advice to people on all kinds of consumer issues.

Consumer Direct does not replace existing advice and support services, but works with them to provide a complete service for consumers. Trading Standards Services are key partners along with Environmental Health departments, regulatory organisations, ombudsmen, Government departments and Citizens' Advice. Over the next year our scope will widen further under the Consumer Voice agenda.

Advisers are trained in all aspects of  consumer rights and help people to take the best course of action when they have a consumer problem by giving legally correct advice. We do not intervene in consumer matters, such as taking action against a trader, and Consumer Direct isn't a legal service.

The Consumer Direct number is 08454 04 05 06 or visit the Consumer Direct website.

The service operates from 08.00 - 18.30 Monday to Friday and from 09.00 - 13.00 on Saturday, excluding bank holidays.

A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05 and a minicom service on 08451 28 13 84.

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