How to File a Consumer Complaint
In the course of doing business, you’re bound to get burned at some point in your life. Not all businesses are ethical and you may fall prey to a predatory operation. When you suffer small monetary damages as the result of doing business with an unscrupulous business, it may not be worth the money to hire an attorney to seek compensation for your loss. So what can you do to fight a business on a matter of principle? You can start by filing a consumer complaint.
Contact the Business Directly
A consumer complaint is a formal complaint you may file against a business. To start the consumer complaint process, first contact the business that did you wrong. Try to work things out with them before complaining to a source outside of the company. Many times, businesses are prepared to right their wrongs if you address them directly. Be sure to keep track of all communication you have with the business, especially if they are unwilling to resolve the matter.
Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
If you contact a business about harm they cause you and they refuse to compensate you for your loss, your next step is to contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is a private organization that works with consumers and businesses to reach mutually satisfying outcomes to disputes. When you file a complaint with the BBB, a local branch will look into your claim and try to help you resolve the problem you have with the business you cited. The BBB is not a governmental agency and cannot make businesses right their wrongs; however, they do offer services to help hold businesses accountable for their actions. You can file a complaint with the BBB at http://www.bbbonline.org/consumer/complaint.asp.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
If your matter is still unresolved after using the BBB’s services, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the consumer protection agency of the United States. While the FTC does not try to resolve individual complaints like the BBB, the FTC uses the information provided by consumers to track unscrupulous businesses—keeping a database of complaints that often lead to criminal investigations and prosecutions. You can file a complaint with the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/cmplanding.shtm.
While not everyone receives the satisfaction of having their dispute resolved, taking these steps can make you feel better about doing everything in your power to hold a business accountable for their actions. You can also help protect other consumers from dealing with unethical businesses by filing a formal complaint.
Find a Personal Injury Attorney