FILE A COMPLAINT
Direct links to every agency that can actually do something about it.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices across all industries.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Handles complaints about financial products: loans, credit cards, debt collection, mortgages.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
File complaints against businesses and check their ratings and complaint history.
State Attorney General
Your state AG enforces consumer protection laws and can take action against companies.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Handles complaints about phone, cable, internet, and broadcast services.
Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
Handles housing discrimination complaints under the Fair Housing Act.
Department of Education
Handles complaints about student loans and for-profit college fraud (Borrower Defense).
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Reports vehicle safety defects, odometer fraud, and auto recalls.
BY INDUSTRY
Pro Tips for Filing Complaints
Always get a complaint reference number when filing — it proves you filed.
File with multiple agencies simultaneously for maximum pressure.
Keep copies of all correspondence, contracts, and receipts.
State AG offices often have more power than federal agencies for local businesses.
The CFPB complaint database is public — companies often respond quickly to avoid bad records.
BBB complaints are visible to the public and can damage a company's rating.
Small claims court is often the fastest path to getting money back (under $10,000).