Consumer protection regulators
If a company has not resolved your complaint, the next step is filing with the regulator that has jurisdiction. Most regulators forward your complaint to the company and require a response.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Handles: Banks, credit cards, mortgages, debt collection, credit reporting, prepaid cards, money transfers, student loans, payday loans.
The CFPB forwards complaints to the company and tracks responses. Most companies respond within 15 days. The CFPB also publishes complaint data publicly.
Read full guide for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) →
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Handles: Phone (wireless and landline), internet service, TV/cable, robocalls, billing disputes with telecom providers.
The FCC forwards your complaint to the carrier and requires a response. The FCC also tracks patterns to identify systemic issues.
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Handles: Fraud, scams, identity theft, unfair business practices, deceptive advertising, do-not-call violations.
The FTC does not resolve individual disputes but uses reports to investigate companies. Reports go into a database accessed by 2,800+ law enforcement agencies.
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U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Handles: Airline service, baggage, flight delays and cancellations, refund disputes, disability accommodation, discrimination on flights.
The DOT requires airlines to respond to forwarded complaints within 60 days and is the primary regulator for US airline consumer protection.
Read full guide for U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) →
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Handles: Almost any business, US and Canada. Mediation rather than enforcement.
The BBB forwards complaints to the company and asks for a response. Companies often respond because BBB ratings are publicly visible. Not a government agency.
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State Attorney General
Handles: Almost any consumer dispute with a business operating in your state. Each state's AG office runs a consumer protection division.
State AGs have jurisdiction over consumer protection within their state. They take individual complaints seriously when patterns emerge and have broader authority than federal agencies for state-level issues.
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Small Claims Court
Handles: Disputes typically under $5,000-$10,000 (varies by state). Filing fees usually $30-$75.
Small claims is often faster than arbitration and does not require a lawyer. Many companies settle rather than send a representative to court.
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American Arbitration Association (AAA)
Handles: Required by many consumer contracts (cellular, banking, ride-share). Filing fee is typically $200 for consumers.
Most consumer contracts now include mandatory arbitration clauses. AAA is the most common administrator. Companies usually pay the bulk of the cost.
Read full guide for American Arbitration Association (AAA) →