Despite ongoing government budget cuts, layoffs, and a rollback of federal regulatory oversight, US consumers still have avenues to file complaints about fraud or unsafe products. Consumer advocates emphasize that lodging complaints with relevant government offices is always worthwhile, as these reports are logged, shared with Congress and state legislators, and used to determine budgets, structure investigations, and organize lawsuits.
Document Everything Before Filing
When preparing a complaint, it is crucial to document all correspondence and calls, including order numbers, dates, and dollar amounts. Keep transcripts of phone conversations with timestamps and screenshots of chatbot interactions. This evidence strengthens your case and helps regulators act.
Federal Agencies to Contact
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accepts complaints about general product and service fraud and scams. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) handles issues with financial services, including credit scorers and non-bank lenders, and remains active despite cuts. For unsafe products, file with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Airline issues go to the FAA’s consumer protection office. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center handles online fraud, though its criminal investigation threshold is higher. Moving companies and transport complaints can be registered with the appropriate federal body. For health insurance denials, some states offer external appeals; a federal appeals process was suspended on 1 July.
State and Local Regulators
State attorneys general serve as key watchdogs, with power to investigate and sue companies harming residents. Find state consumer-protection offices through a US government website or the National Association of Attorneys General interactive map. Many large cities also have local consumer-protection officials who are stepping up efforts amid federal cuts. Residents of cities like New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and Baltimore can dial 311 or file online. Additionally, writing to your House representative can prompt action if a company affects many constituents.
