The Consumer Affairs Board said it was challenged by staffing levels and concerned about the possibility of being dismantled in its 2025 year end report.

In the document, tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday, Wayne Swan, the CAB chairman, said that the gazetting of appointments had not been completed until June last year, limiting the scope of activities and initiatives that could be undertaken.

He added: “It was also made known that the board has concerns regarding the low staffing levels at Consumer Affairs with many of the current staff pulling double duty as well as the workplace conditions of the current Consumer Affairs office, which not only negatively impact the staff but the clients coming through the doors as well.

“Despite these constraints, the board and staff remained committed to advancing the department’s mandate and supporting the needs of the public.”

Dr Swan added that during the reporting period, board members were concerned about discussions related to the potential restructuring or dismantling of Consumer Affairs.

He said: “The board emphasised that Consumer Affairs plays a critical role within Bermuda’s consumer protection framework and serves as an essential resource for the public, businesses, landlords, tenants and numerous government partners.

“The board further noted that any reduction in the department’s capacity or independence could have significant implications for consumer protection, public education, regulatory oversight and community support services.

“Consumer Affairs recognises that Bermuda’s evolving economic and social landscape continues to create new challenges for consumers, businesses, landlords and tenants alike.

“Increased online transactions, scams, financial pressures and housing concerns continue to require proactive education, responsive support services and effective regulatory oversight.”

The report noted that in 2025 the body investigated 3,295 international product recalls, with 92 of those recalled products identified on shelves in the local market.

Comparatively, in 2005 Consumer Affairs investigated just 122 international recalls and found only 33 of the products were for sale in Bermuda.

The report said: “These figures demonstrate not only the growing volume and complexity of global product safety issues but also the increasing importance of Bermuda’s recall monitoring programme in identifying potentially unsafe products and helping to protect consumers through timely surveillance and public awareness.”

It added that Consumer Affairs worked without a community and business liaison officer for the bulk of last year, resulting in a gap in its public education, outreach and stakeholder engagement work.

The report said: “Following the appointment of a new community and business liaison officer on November 17, 2025, the officer immediately began rebuilding the department’s public-facing education efforts.”

Consumer Affairs also managed 612 matters related to rent control including adjudicating 270 vacant property rent assessments or rent increases without tenant agreements.

The report said: “There have been increased reports of overcrowding and exploitation of guest workers who are vulnerable because of their immigration status.

“This vulnerability may be taken advantage of by employers and landlords, who recognise that many guest workers may fear retaliation, overcharging of rent, loss of housing, employment or threats to their residency, if they speak up or assert their rights.”

The report added that consumer protection bodies across the world faced an increase in complaints linked to digital commerce as the number of online transactions grow.

It said: “As consumers increasingly rely on these services, agencies are seeing higher volumes of complaints related to hidden fees, misleading contracts, unauthorised charges, predatory lending and online fraud.

“There is also an increased international focus on consumer education and financial literacy, with agencies placing greater emphasis on helping consumers better understand their rights, make informed financial decisions and navigate increasingly complex marketplaces.”

• To see the report, see Related Media

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Consumer Affairs annual report 2025