Report an Advert

It is essential to report the advert to the website it is listed on. Many of the UK’s largest classified websites are already following PAAG’s Advertising Standards so will be happy to remove the advert should it happen to have slipped through their security checks.

For action to be taken you must report the advert to the Trading Standards department of the Local Authority where the seller is situated, who will be able to investigate. You can find the details of the one you need here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-trading-standards-office

Remember if you have reported the advert to the website already it is important to take down the relevant details such as the advert number, seller’s name and contact number, or better yet take screenshots in case it is removed before trading standards get to it.

• In Northern Ireland, anyone with concerns regarding the welfare of domestic pets, including horses and non-farmed animals should contact their Local Council: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/animal-welfare-local-councils 

If the advert is a serious animal welfare concern please follow the below advice:

• England and Wales: https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty
• Scotland: https://www.scottishspca.org/contact-us
• Northern Ireland: https://www.uspca.co.uk/report-cruelty

If you are uncertain about something you have seen but are concerned or unsure where to report it please contact the team at PAAG who will be able to offer advice: admin@paag.org.uk

If you think you have been the victim of an unscrupulous seller, report it to Action Fraud.

Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The service is run by the City of London Police working alongside the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau who are responsible for assessment of the reports and to ensure that your fraud reports reach the right place.

To report to Action Fraud visit their website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ 

If you suspect a breeder is not paying tax to HMRC, you can report them using this form: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/report-tax-fraud/activity-type

File your submission under "Fraud Related to Income Tax Self Assessment" then follow the steps, making sure to provide as much information as possible. 

You can report to HMRC anonymously.