If you have a complaint about a purchase you made online, learn how to resolve it with the seller or website. Or get additional help from a federal or state agency.
If you have a complaint about a product you bought online, try to resolve it by contacting the seller or website first.
If contacting the seller or website does not work, file a complaint with:
LAST UPDATED: December 7, 2023
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
FAQs
Before contacting the seller, check if they have an official complaints procedure. You can usually find a seller's complaints procedure on their website - make sure you follow it when you complain. It's best to email or write to the seller - you can use a template letter.
Is it worth filing a complaint with the BBB? ›
Short Answer: Yes, if the business has responded to BBB complaints in the past, it is worth filing a complaint with the BBB since it is free and relatively quick. But note, the BBB cannot force the business to come to an agreement with you since the BBB is not a government agency.
Does filing a complaint with the FCC do anything? ›
By filing a consumer complaint with the FCC, you contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale and help us identify trends and track the issues that matter most. The FCC does not resolve all individual complaints.
Does filing a complaint with CFPB do anything? ›
Submit a complaint
We help consumers connect with financial companies to understand issues, fix errors, and get direct responses about problems. Tell us about your issue—we'll forward it to the company and work to get you a response, generally within 15 days.
What should you do if you have a problem with an online purchase? ›
If contacting the seller or website does not work, file a complaint with:
- Your state's consumer protection office.
- Your state's attorney general.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you believe the sale may have been a scam.
- Econsumer.gov if your purchase was from a seller outside of the U.S.
Check the delivery address you gave the seller. Then contact them and ask where your order is. If the seller claims they've delivered it or don't know where it is, you can ask for a redelivery. You might be able to get a refund in some circ*mstances.
Can the BBB get me a refund? ›
BBB primarily handles complaints relating to marketplace transactions for customers who want a resolution, such as a refund, a repair, or a replacement. This process is free to consumers and businesses. More about how complaints are handled.
What to do if a company won't refund you? ›
Get Outside Help
- Contact your state attorney general or state consumer protection office. ...
- Contact a national consumer organization. ...
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is made up of organizations supported by local businesses. ...
- File a report with the FTC.
If your complaint meets our complaint acceptance criteria, your complaint will be sent to the business within approximately two business days. The business will be asked to respond within 14 calendar days. You will be notified of the business's response when we receive it (or notified that we received no response).
Who should you first contact with a consumer complaint? ›
File a complaint with government or consumer programs
File a complaint with your local consumer protection office. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve complaints against companies. If you think you may have experienced a scam, report it to the FTC.
To file a complaint from the home page, choose the category that best describes your issue:
- TV.
- Phone.
- Internet.
- Radio.
- Access for People with Disabilities.
- Emergency Communications.
We'll share your complaint with the company so it can review and respond to the issues you've described. If we can't send your complaint to the company for response, we'll send it to another federal agency and let you know.
Who holds banks accountable? ›
The Federal Reserve directly supervises state-chartered banks that choose to become members as well as foreign banking offices and Edge Act corporations. The Federal Reserve is also the primary supervisor and regulator of bank holding companies and financial holding companies.
What to do if a bank refuses to give you your money? ›
File banking and credit complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If contacting your bank directly does not help, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint page to: See which specific banking and credit services and products you can complain about through the CFPB.
What are the three federal agencies that provide protection to consumers? ›
Types of Consumer Protection Agencies
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ensures vehicle safety standards.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) addresses product safety hazards and recalls.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors and regulates food and drug safety.
How do you complain effectively?
- Be clear on what your complaint is. ...
- Know what result you're hoping to achieve. ...
- Don't lose your temper. ...
- Never make it personal. ...
- Be genuine and sincere. ...
- Use social media. ...
- Ask to speak to someone new. ...
- Write to head office.
Be clear and brief
- Cover all the relevant points but be as brief as you can. ...
- Make it easy to read by using numbered lists and headings to highlight the important issues.
- Give your contact telephone and email details, as well as your address.
In addition to government consumer agencies, you can seek help from a private agency, such as the Better Business Bureau or Call For Action. If you still can't resolve your complaint, you may be able to bring an action in small claims court. Most courts have legal advisers to help you prepare your case.
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