Consumer Complaints

The federal, state and city governments have each established agencies to handle 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

• Try explaining your problem to the store salesperson that served you, or to the manager or owner of the business.

• Decide what action the business should be taking to resolve your complaint. You should know what you are asking the business to do before you approach them, otherwise your attempt to seek redress will be frustrating for both you and the business’s representative.

• If the business’s representative agrees to resolve the complaint, put the terms of the resolution in writing and send it back to the business via "Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested." This gives you a legal record that the business received a copy of the terms.

• If the business’s representative DOES NOT agree to resolve the complaint, immediately put the details of your complaint in writing and send it to the president or owner of the business via "Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested." The letter should include the date of the transaction, the problem, and how you would like the problem resolved. Keep copies for your own records.

• Find out if the business in question is a member of a BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION that governs proper business practices. In many cases, these associations may intervene on your behalf to resolve your complaint.

If you do not receive satisfaction on your own, you can seek the assistance of a governmental agency by filing a consumer complaint.

How to File a Complaint

Federal

The 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.

In the Consumer Protection section of their website, you can find a variety of publications on subjects such as credit, health and fitness, buying and working at home, investments, telemarketing, and other products and services. You'll also find business information such as guides to complying with the Mail Order Rule, Telemarketing Sales Rule, Used Car Rule, and other rules and regulations enforced by the FTC.

There are three ways you can contact the FTC:

by telephone, toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357);

or by U.S. postal mail, at:

Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20580

Or electronically:

If you have a complaint about a particular company or organization, use the FTC’s secure complaint form.

State & City

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has established itself as a top consumer watchdog.  The BBB only awards its accredited status to businesses who have shown themselves to be of the highest quality, maintaining a rigorous set of standards by which accredited businesses are judged. 

The BBB accepts complaints on business within and not within their membership, and aim to settle formal complaints in a timely manner.  For complaints on Lemon Law and Auto Warranties, contact the BBB's Autoline online or at 314-645-3300.

 You may reach the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint by telephone at 314-645-330, or via their online information center and complaint form.