An online advert - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Published: 30 October 2023

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is the UK's independent regulator for online advertising. Please contact them directly to complain about an advert you have seen online.

Fraudulent advertising

If you believe an online advert is a scam, you can report it to the ASA.

If you see something concerning on an online service, please complain directly to the online service first, as it should be able to help you. If you have reported content and remain concerned that action wasn’t taken, you can tell Ofcom.

We cannot respond to or investigate individual complaints

While we can’t respond to your complaint, it will help us assess whether regulated services are doing enough to protect their users – and if Ofcom should take any action.

If you think you’ve been a victim of an online scam or fraud

Contact Action Fraud if you think you’ve lost money or been hacked as a result of an online advert.

If you’re in Scotland and you’ve lost money because of an online advert, report the crime to Police Scotland.

Related content

Online safety rules: what you need to know

Ofcom is the regulator for online safety in the UK. Our job is to make sure that online services protect their users.

Harmful online content: how to report it and where to get help

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by illegal, harmful or upsetting content online, please contact a support service to find information and get help.