Report a competition or market problem
Tell the CMA about competition and consumer issues.
You can report something to the CMA using your real name and contact details, or anonymously (for example by using a new email address, or a masked telephone number).
It’s important if you wish to remain anonymous that you don’t provide any information that could allow someone to guess your identity.
Advice and individual issues
The CMA can’t step in or advise on individual complaints.
For advice and support on your individual case or issue, contact the relevant consumer advice organisation in your area.
Whistleblowing
Whistle-blowers are employees, or former employees, that report illegal activities carried out by the business or organisation they’re employed by.
If the illegal activity relates to the sale of products, the supply of services or about competition affecting markets in the UK, it’s important you report it to the CMA.
You can:
- email: whistleblower@cma.gov.uk
- call: 020 3738 6556
Find out more about whistle-blowing, and what it means to be a whistle-blower, including your rights and how the CMA will protect your identity.
Report a business cartel
A business cartel occurs when 2 or more businesses agree that they won’t compete with each other.
This may include price-fixing, bid-rigging, market-sharing or sharing information between businesses.
You can report cartel information to us:
- using the online reporting form
- email: cartelshotline@cma.gov.uk
- call: 020 3738 6888
You may be eligible for a financial reward if you give us information that leads to an investigation, for more information read Cartels: policy for witnessing and reporting.
Apply for leniency
If you or your company has been involved in a cartel, you may be able to apply for leniency.
For more information, call: 020 3738 6833.
Report issues in a market sector
If you’re concerned about a market, or have evidence that a market isn’t working well, you can report it to us by emailing general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.
You must include:
- your contact details
- the name of the business you’re concerned about
- a description of the issue
- any supporting evidence
- details of other organisations you’ve contacted about this
Report businesses agreeing not to compete with each other
Anti-competitive activity occurs when 2 or more businesses agree not to compete with each other.
If a business enforces unfair terms in a consumer sales contract, or unfair consumer notices, they’re taking part in illegal, anticompetitive behaviour.
If you suspect a business may be involved in anti-competitive activity, you can report your concerns to us by emailing general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.
You must include:
- your contact details
- the name of the business you’re concerned about
- a description of the issue
- any supporting evidence
- details of other organisations you’ve contacted about this
Report an issue to an industry regulator
In some cases, you may want to report your concerns to an industry regulator:
- Airports and air traffic services: Civil Aviation Authority
- Financial services: Financial Conduct Authority
- Gas and electricity in England, Wales and Scotland: Ofgem
- Gas, electricity, water and sewerage in Northern Ireland: Utility regulator
- Health services in England: NHS Improvement
- Payment systems: Payment Systems Regulator
- Railways in England, Wales and Scotland: Office of Rail and Road
- Television, radio, telephone, postal and internet services: Ofcom
- Water and sewerage services in England and Wales: Ofwat
- If you think advertising rules have been broken you can complain to the Advertising Standards Authority.
What happens next
After you’ve submitted your complaint to us, you’ll receive an automated response via email and we’ll review all your completed forms or details.
We can’t respond in detail to individual complaints.
As a result of the information you provide, we may:
- contact businesses involved with your submission
- investigate and take legal action against businesses
- conduct studies or investigations into markets
- prosecute people involved with cartels
If we decide to open a formal enforcement case, or rely on information you’ve provided, we’ll contact you and give you an opportunity to comment on this.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.
Victims code
When the CMA takes part in criminal enforcement work, it acts in accordance with the duties set out in chapter 5 of the code of practice for victims of crime (victims code).