It might feel like no one is watching out for US consumers right now, but a wide array of federal, state and local regulators still target company fraud and deception.
Consumer advocates say it is always worth filing a complaint to every relevant government office, despite budget cuts, layoffs and the rollback of federal regulatory oversight.
Complaints are logged and shared with Congress, state legislators and the public. They help determine budgets, structure federal investigations and organize lawsuits.
The US regulatory system is broken when it comes to consumer rights, but it will not improve without evidence from angry residents.
When preparing a complaint, document correspondence, order numbers, dates and dollar amounts. Keep transcripts of phone conversations and screenshots of chatbot chats.
Where to file complaints
The Federal Trade Commission takes complaints on general product and service fraud and scams. It often refers cases to other agencies and collaborates with states on investigations.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau handles complaints within the financial services industry, including credit scorers and non-bank lenders.
It still appears to be actively contacting companies to resolve issues despite cuts.
Search the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s database of product recalls and file a complaint about unsafe products.
Report airline travel delays, baggage problems and discrimination at the Federal Aviation Administration’s consumer protection office.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center takes complaints about online criminal activity, including fraud.
The bar for a criminal investigation is generally higher than at agencies handling civil complaints.
Register complaints about moving companies, trucks, buses and other transport.
Request an “external appeal” of a health insurer’s coverage denial in some states; a federal appeals process was suspended on 1 July.
State attorneys general have the power to investigate and bring cases against companies that drive up costs or defraud residents.
They often oversee state consumer-protection offices, which can be found through a US government website. File state-by-state complaints through the National Association of Attorneys General interactive map.
Large cities may have a consumer-protection official downtown. Many are aggressively stepping up efforts to counteract federal cuts.
City residents can dial 311 or file complaints online in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Baltimore and others.
Consumer advocates also encourage defrauded customers to write to their Congress member, who might champion curbs on a company if it affects many constituents.
