Many of us are aware that as consumers we have rights afforded us; things like if we pay for a service it is to be done to a degree of satisfaction. Also if we purchase a product it is expected to work or do what the product was intended and purchased to do.

On a basic level if we have a product to return or a complaint about a service, it can be addressed with the seller or service provider, and hopefully they will make things right.

But there can be other issues such as if the seller or service provider does not make things right, or if they were deceiving us in any way, such as in cases of fraud.

The Insolvency Service www.bis.gov.uk/insolvency does look into cases involving fraud and can issue restrictions against company Directors or owners prohibiting them from trading or being a Director of a company. If they were to go against these restrictions, there could possibly be criminal charges brought against them.

There also is the OFT or Office of Fair Trading oft.gov.uk/ which issues licences and regulates many businesses such as debt management companies, companies that grant credit, and also companies that may collect debts.

As a consumer you can complain through the OFT if you feel you have been treated poorly or your complaint to a debt management company or other OFT licenced company has not be dealt with.

The FSA or Financial Services Authority www.fsa.gov.uk/ also has a complain procedure for consumers. The FSA regulates the financial services industry in the UK and most financial services, exchanges, markets and firms in the UK.

There also is the FOS or Financial Ombudsman Service: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/

The FOS is a third party, independent reviewer that handles complaints against banks, insurers, debt management firms, etc, if you cannot get satisfaction by complaining to the actual company.

So as a consumer, we do have recourse if we feel we have been wronged or mis-sold a product or service.