File a CCPC Complaint
Step-by-step guide · 8 min read
What you'll need
- Evidence of the unfair practice (screenshots, receipts, correspondence)
- Full business name, address, or website
- Timeline of events
- Details of any attempts to resolve the issue with the business
Identify the issue type
The CCPC handles complaints about businesses that breach consumer protection and competition law. Common issues include:
- Misleading or false advertising
- Unfair commercial practices (aggressive selling, hidden charges)
- Product safety concerns
- Price display breaches
- Unfair contract terms
- Competition law breaches (price-fixing, cartels)
Gather your evidence
Collect everything that supports your complaint:
- Screenshots of misleading ads or pricing
- Receipts, invoices, or contracts
- Email or written correspondence with the business
- Photos of defective or unsafe products
- Dates, names, and a timeline of events
Check the CCPC's remit
The CCPC does not resolve individual disputes or award compensation. Their role is to investigate patterns of non-compliance and take enforcement action against businesses.
Important: If you want personal redress (a refund, compensation, or resolution of your individual case), use the FSPO for financial services or the Small Claims Court for general consumer disputes. Your CCPC report still matters — it helps them spot systemic issues.
Go to the CCPC complaint form
Visit ccpc.ieand navigate to “Make a Complaint” under the Consumer Help section. You can also call the CCPC helpline at 01 402 5555 if you prefer to report by phone.
Fill in the business details
Provide as much detail as possible about the business:
- Full business name and trading name
- Address of the premises (or website URL for online businesses)
- Type of product or service involved
- Any reference numbers from your dealings with the business
Describe your complaint clearly
In the complaint description:
- State exactly what happened and when
- Explain why you believe the business acted unfairly or broke the law
- Mention if you tried to resolve the issue with the business first
- Note if you believe other consumers are affected (the CCPC prioritises systemic problems)
Tip: The CCPC is more likely to investigate when multiple consumers report the same business for the same practice. Be specific so your report adds to the evidence of a pattern.
Submit the complaint
Review everything and submit. Upload any supporting documents if the form allows. You should receive an acknowledgement confirming your complaint has been received.
What to expect after filing
The CCPC does not provide updates on individual complaints. They use reports to build cases and identify patterns of non-compliance. Possible outcomes include:
- Compliance notice issued to the business
- Fixed payment notice (on-the-spot fine)
- Criminal prosecution for serious breaches
- Undertakings from the business to change practices
Parallel track: If you need a personal remedy, pursue the Small Claims Court or FSPO route at the same time. Your CCPC report strengthens the overall case against the business.
Next steps
Need help with your specific case?
Our guides cover the process — but every case is different. If you want someone to review your situation and tell you exactly what to do next, we can help.
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