US Rights Guide

How to File a Consumer Complaint in the US

If a business cheated you in the US, report to the FTC, CFPB, or your state attorney general for free. You may also have a private lawsuit right.

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Direct Answer

In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) handle national consumer complaints. Every state also has an Attorney General's consumer protection division. Filing complaints is free. For financial products (loans, credit cards, mortgages), the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov is the primary agency. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints but uses them to build enforcement cases.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

FTC Act

15 U.S.C. § 45

“Unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce are hereby declared unlawful.”

Consumer Financial Protection Act 2010

12 U.S.C. § 5531

“The Bureau may take action to prevent a covered person or service provider from committing or engaging in an unfair, deceptive, or abusive act or practice.”

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

15 U.S.C. § 2301

“Written warranties on consumer products must be available before purchase and must be honored. Breach of warranty gives the consumer a private right of action.”

What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

1Document everything first. Keep receipts, screenshots, contracts, emails, and a written record of all interactions with the business including dates and names.
2Dispute directly with the business in writing. Give 7–14 days to respond. This creates a paper trail and may resolve the issue quickly.
3For financial products, file with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov. CFPB directly contacts the company and tracks responses — companies must respond within 15 days.
4For general consumer fraud, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses reports to identify patterns and bring enforcement actions.
5File with your state AG at your state's attorney general website — search "[your state] consumer complaint." State AGs can take individual action and often resolve disputes faster than federal agencies.
6For small claims under $5,000–$10,000 (varies by state), sue in small claims court — fast, cheap, no lawyer needed.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"This [product/service] has failed to meet the representation made at the time of sale, constituting a deceptive trade practice under [your state] consumer protection law. I am requesting a full refund of $[amount] within 14 days or I will file a complaint with the state Attorney General and the FTC."”

Tone: Written — to the business

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the FTC help me get my money back?

The FTC generally does not resolve individual cases but does use consumer reports to build enforcement actions that can result in refunds. For individual recovery, the CFPB (for financial products), your state AG, or a private lawsuit are more direct paths.

A company billed me for a subscription I never signed up for — what can I do?

Dispute the charge with your credit card company (FCBA gives you 60 days to dispute billing errors). File with the FTC and your state AG for the deceptive practice. Report to the CFPB if it involves a financial institution.

I was scammed online by a foreign company — can I still get help?

File at reportfraud.ftc.gov and econsumer.gov (for international scams). The FTC works with international counterparts. Recovery from foreign scammers is difficult but reporting helps others and may trigger investigation.

Do I have a right to a refund in the US?

There is no federal "cooling off" right for most purchases (except door-to-door sales under the FTC's Cooling Off Rule — 3 days). However, many state consumer protection laws and individual store policies provide refund rights. Misrepresentation always gives a right to rescission or damages.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
consumerfinance.gov / 1-855-411-2372
Financial product complaints — companies must respond. Free.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
reportfraud.ftc.gov
General consumer fraud reporting. Builds enforcement actions.
State Attorney General
Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint"
State-level complaints — can take direct action on individual cases.
Small Claims Court
Your local courthouse
For claims under $5,000–$10,000 depending on state. No lawyer needed.

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