Consumer ComplaintsThe federal, state and county governments have each established agencies to assist with consumer complaints. If you are having a problem with a business or product, or you believe you have been cheated, defrauded or harassed by a business, you can file a complaint. Before You File a Complaint
If you do not receive satisfaction on your own, you can seek the assistance of a governmental agency by filing a consumer complaint. Federal ResourcesThe Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Protection section can provide some assistance. While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer disputes, your complaint, comment, or inquiry may help them spot a pattern of law violations requiring law enforcement action. It can also help them recognize and tell people about larger trends affecting consumers. The Consumer Information Center, a part of the U.S. General Services Administration, publishes a 144 page handbook of valuable information for the consumer. The handbook provides extensive advice, consumer tips, and a Consumer Assistance Directory. The Directory contains listings for national consumer agencies, better business bureaus, trade associations, and state and federal agencies. To address the challenge of multinational Internet fraud, the United States participates with 19 other countries to offer econsumer.gov, a joint effort to gather and share cross-border e-commerce complaints. StateThe State's top consumer watchdog is the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The mission of the (DCA) is to protect and serve consumers while ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace. They protect and serve consumers by making available information that educates them about their rights and responsibilities. They help ensure a competent and fair marketplace by establishing minimum standards of competency in over 100 business and 200 professional categories - including doctors, dentists, cosmetologists, contractors, and automotive repair shops. In addition, they answer consumer questions and provide mediation between a business and the consumer when a business has engaged in false, misleading or deceptive practices. CountyThe Consumer Protection Unit of the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office processes complaints and also provides information about consumer transactions by answering questions from the public. Their mediation staff is available to assist consumers in resolving their disputes with business entities. Call the Consumer Protection Unit at (408) 792-2880 to ask a question or request a complaint form. |
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