Tiny was the UK's largest PC maker

Those who used credit cards or Tiny's credit plans should be eligible for compensation from the finance firms.

The claims would apply to faulty goods or warranty problems with Time or Tiny.

Owners, Lancashire-based Granville Technology, went into administration last week with the loss of 1,500 jobs. It was the UK's largest PC maker.

Lancashire Trading Standards says under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, any claim for breach of contract that a consumer had against the supplier of the goods can be taken against the credit card or finance company.

A statement by trading standards officers said: "Consumers in this case are encouraged to pursue their claims in the knowledge that, if they can show they have suffered a loss or failed to be provided with the level of support they were entitled to, they can obtain redress for the finance provided.

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"Only consumers paying by cash, debit card or cheque in full have no effective means of redress other than through the administrators.

"Even consumers in the final year of a five-year warranty have a valid claim for some compensation, if no comparable warranty service is put in place."

The Tiny helpline is 0870 830 3288 and an email address has been set up - enquiries-time@gtuk.com - to deal with queries.

The circumstances in which claims can be made include goods with a fault, goods paid for but not supplied, warranty and support problems, ongoing dispute with Tiny.

Lancashire trading Standards offer advice for Tiny customers on its website http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/lancashire/.