Complaints against businesses are important. The feedback is helpful for reputable companies serious about providing good customer service and reliable products and services. Business complaints also help identify companies engaging in shady or illegal business practices. Complaints about wrongdoing in business sometimes lead to criminal investigation by state, local and federal agencies. A variety of agencies and organizations review business complaints from the public. Gather appropriate information before filing a complaint, including the name of the business, the address and telephone number. Also, prepare a statement about what happened, along with supporting information such as receipts and contracts.
Instructions
1. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency. The FTC collects complaints about companies and their business practices. The FTC does not mediate or resolve individual complaints but does gather information that may lead to a pattern of wrong-doing and a broad, official investigation. File a complaint by visiting the FTC Complaint Assistant (see Resources for link). Click on the "complaint assistant" logo to file electronically.
2. Contact the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. The Better Business Bureau is a private organization and some companies are paid members. The bureau maintains a database of consumer complaints against companies, including companies that are paying members. In some instances the agency attempts to resolve disputes with companies. Contact your local public library or visit the national website (see Resources) to find your local BBB organization.
3. Contact your state's division of consumer services, department of commerce or a similar organization. Many states accept online complaints. Call your local public library or a state attorney's office to find the proper consumer protection agency in your state.
4. File a police report if you believe the business has committed a crime. Call your local police or sheriff's department to file the report.
