A new confidential consumer crime reporting system for Londoners has been launched today.

London Trading Standards are seeking tip-offs from consumers about rogue trading, scams and other unfair and illegal trading practices.

Reports of consumer crime can now be sent anonymously via the London Trading Standards website. Information will then be assessed on behalf of the 33 member Boroughs and shared via their regional intelligence service for further investigation or monitoring.

Consumers already benefit from a free national advice service provided by Citizens Advice. The new tool complements this by providing the opportunity to send anonymous information about consumer crime in London.

Steve Playle, a spokesperson for London Trading Standards said;

“We welcome the public’s help with information about those in our communities who are undermining legitimate businesses or ripping off consumers. Government cutbacks to local council budgets means there are less trading standards officers than ever before. To help ensure our teams across London prioritise the most serious issues it’s vital we receive tip-offs from the public who can act as our eyes and ears”.

The online form can be accessed via the London Trading Standards website and can be used to report matters such as;

• businesses dealing in fake, illicit or unsafe goods
• rogue trading, doorstep crime and scams
• unfair trading practices
• people selling age restricted goods to children