Holding businesses accountable
Consumer Standards is an independent organisation dedicated to investigating fraudulent business practices and defending the rights of consumers across the United Kingdom.
Our mission
Too many consumers are left without recourse when businesses act unfairly. Unjustified charges, misleading terms, and obstructive complaint processes have become the norm in too many industries.
Consumer Standards exists to change that. We work alongside trusted media partners to investigate complaints, expose malpractice, and secure outcomes for the people who need them most.
Transparency
Every investigation is conducted openly. We publish our findings so consumers can make informed decisions and businesses are held to account.
Accountability
We ensure that businesses cannot hide behind fine print or bureaucracy. When consumers are wronged, we pursue resolution relentlessly.
Consumer Rights
Every individual deserves fair treatment. We provide the tools, resources, and advocacy needed to level the playing field against unfair practices.
Featured investigations
Real cases where our investigations have exposed unfair business practices and secured results for consumers.
LuxeStay Lettings
Tenant fined £350 for fabricated cleaning charges after leaving Airbnb property in pristine condition.
A family of four was charged £350 in post-departure cleaning fees despite photographic evidence showing the property was left spotless. The letting agent provided no timestamped evidence of the alleged mess and refused to engage with the tenant's dispute. Following our investigation, internal communications revealed a pattern of systematic overcharging across 40+ properties.
QuickFix Motors
Garage charged £1,200 for unnecessary brake replacement on a vehicle that had passed MOT two weeks prior.
A consumer brought their car in for a routine service and was told they needed immediate brake disc and pad replacement at a cost of £1,200. The vehicle had passed its MOT just 14 days earlier with no advisories on braking. An independent inspection confirmed the brakes were in good working order. Our investigation uncovered that the garage had a quota system incentivising unnecessary repair recommendations.
PrimeFit Gym Group
Gym continued billing members £49/month for 8 months after cancellation requests were submitted.
Multiple consumers reported that PrimeFit Gym Group continued to charge monthly membership fees long after cancellation forms were submitted. One member was charged £392 over 8 months despite having email confirmation of their cancellation. The company's complaints team was unresponsive, and direct debits were re-established after being cancelled by banks. Our investigation found over 200 similar complaints across their 15 locations.
SwiftHome Removals
Removal company held household belongings hostage demanding £2,000 above the quoted price on moving day.
A couple were quoted £800 for a house move but on the day, after all belongings were loaded onto the van, the company demanded £2,800 — claiming the volume of items exceeded estimates. When the couple refused, the driver threatened to take their possessions to a storage facility and charge daily fees. This case is currently under investigation with Trading Standards involvement.
Affiliated media partners
Trusted by leading newsrooms
Our media partners access submitted complaints through secure portals, helping bring consumer issues to public attention.
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