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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
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I think we have all faced times where we may have to file a complaint. These complaints may vary from general customer services issue to something more major like fraud.
I thought I’d share a few tips that may be helpful when this issue arises.
let’s start with the basics
contact the brand or site or service
Okay let’s start with the basics. So we all know that if you have an issue with a product, service or even a representative you can start off by contacting the brand directly.
So first off try that. Contact their support if you have an issue and see where that goes.
Every brand may have various ways to contact them. So be it by phone, email, text or social media do what you can.
If you still have an issue you can expand your complaint based on your issue.
Other options
You can also try finding the brand or service via review sites and share your thoughts there. I will advise that some review sites do have guidelines so read the terms before posting.
Share your thoughts online or ask others if they have encountered the same issues you have with the brand or service.
check with your state
If your issues aren’t resolved (whatever they may be) you can check with your state to see if they offer a way file a complaint against a brand.
I didn’t know this but California has a Consumer affairs department. If you are filing a complaint you can view the list of job titles. If your complaint doesn’t fit the list you can file a complaint using a separate link.
https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaints/consumer.shtml
You can also search for your Attorney General office and see what your state has to offer.
More options
if the above info doesn’t seem to fit your needs you can file a complaint with one of the following agencies.
Better Business Bureau
I’ve filed a few complaints with the BBB in the past. I will note that it is best if you can provide as much information to them as possible. That being shared please read the guidelines for complaints. The BBB doesn’t deal with interoffice issues or Government agency complaints just to name a few.
The process of filling out a form with the BBB is easy. You provide your info as well as the companies information. You can also request how you’d like your complaint to be resolved. The BBB will send you a follow-up email and alert you when the brand has been contacted.
https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a variety of options for filing a complaint. That being said you can file a complaint about fraud or a standard complaint against a business or service. They have them broken down into categories.
Like with the BBB if you can provide the FTC with as much information as possible the better. They also send you a follow up email.
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1
Other resources
I found a few other resources you can look into.
usa.gov
usa.gov gives you a nice breakdown of info on filing a complaint as well as a list of sources you can use.
https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was unknown to me until last year. I filed a complaint via their service last year. I was sent an unsolicited debit card. You can view the video below for more info.
This site deals with financial related complaints. I can say that after I submitted my complaint to them my issue was resolved with in a few days. Every case may vary.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
econsumer.gov
econsumer.gov is a new site for me. But from the looks of it you can file a complaint either here in the US or in any participating country. They offer consumers a variety of categories when filing a complaint. It’s similar to the resources from USA.gov.
I hope this post was helpful.
