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Here’s a list of places that might be able to help you with a consumer
issue. Even if they can’t solve your specific problem, it’s always a good
idea to file a complaint. This is how law enforcement agencies and consumer
groups find out about a problem. Most of these places also have a variety of
on-line educational materials available.
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BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
The BBB is not a government agency. It’s a private, not-for-profit
organization that “promotes intelligent buying through consumer and
business education.” The bureau provides “reliability reports” on
businesses and charities throughout the US and Canada. The BBB can help
mediate or arbitrate disputes between buyers and sellers. This national
site will also help you locate a Better Business Bureau office near you. |
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YOUR STATE ATTORNEY
GENERAL'S OFFICE
The National Association of Attorneys General web site will help you
locate the office in your state. In most cases, you can file a complaint
online. The Washington State Attorney General can be reached
at
www.atg.wa.gov or by calling 1-800-551-4636. |
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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
1-877-382-4357
The FTC enforces a variety of federal consumer protection laws, which are
designed to eliminate unfair, or deceptive business practices. In general,
the Commission’s efforts are directed toward “stopping actions that
threaten consumer’s opportunities to exercise informed choice.”
While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your
complaint will help them investigate fraud and could lead to law
enforcement action.
To file a complaint on line, click
here. This link should
also be used if you are a victim of identity theft or if you want to
forward unsolicited commercial e-mail (SPAM) to the Commission |
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1-888-225-5322
The FCC regulates radio and TV broadcasters, cable TV and satellite
services and telecommunications companies (including interstate long
distance, cellular and PCS phones, pagers and two-way radios).
The Consumer Information Bureau handles all consumer-related
telecommunications issues—from requests for information to filing
complaints. You can e-mail the Bureau at
fccinfo@fc.gov or call 1-888-225-5322
To file a complaint on line, click
here.
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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
1-800-638-2772
This federal regulatory agency works to save lives and keep families safe
by reducing the risk of injury or death from consumer products. The CPSC
has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 kinds of consumer products-- but
not automobiles, tires, boats, cosmetics, pesticides or medical devices.
This is where to report a dangerous or potentially hazardous product. You
also find an extensive database of recalls, plus tip-sheets on how all
sorts of safety issues.
To report an injury, death or unsafe product online, click
here or call
the toll-free safety hotline at 1-800-638-2772. |
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NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Go here to get the latest information on vehicle recalls and to find out
about government crash test results. The site also has information on
safety equipment, form airbags to children’s car seats.
Click
here for the
NHTSA's AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE .
This is where to find out about vehicle recalls and to report a vehicle
safety defect. The hotline can also be reached by calling 1-888-327-4236. |
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U.S. POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
Postal Inspectors target criminals who steal mail or misuse the nations’
postal system to defraud consumers, threaten people or otherwise endanger
the American public. The Inspection Service cannot resolve routine
business disputes with companies, it can go after a company or individual
it believes is intentionally trying to commit fraud.
To file a mail fraud complaint on line, click
here |
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NATIONAL FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER
800-876-7060
The NFIC's trained counselors help consumers
identify the danger signs of possible fraud and direct them to the right
places for more information, if needed. Consumers can also report
suspected telemarketing or Internet fraud through the NFIC hotline or web
site. These reports are relayed to a variety of local, state and federal
law enforcement agencies, alerting them to problems that they may wish to
investigate and providing them with the ammunition they need to stop
fraud. |

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