The Consumer Action Handbook, updated each year, is a free resource guide that provides general information on shopping for goods and services and tips about your consumer rights.
The Handbook has information to help you file a complaint about a purchase and includes a sample complaint letter that you can use and send to a company. It also includes a consumer assistance directory, with contact information for consumer protection offices in government agencies, and customer service departments at many national corporations.
There are a variety of consumer agencies in every state. These agencies provide information about consumers' rights and how to resolve problems, and many mediate individual complaints. Some state or local consumer agencies also license or regulate certain kinds of businesses, and some take legal action to stop illegal practices.
Before making a complaint, you may want to call the agency to confirm that it handles the type of problem you have. Start with agencies in your state; in some situations you may be referred to an agency in another state or to a federal agency. Note: Toll free phone numbers listed may only work for calls made from within that state.
FIND CONSUMER AGENCIES IN YOUR STATE