Consumer Protection

File a complaint, be a smart shopper, understand credit, and more.

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Get helpful tips on preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and more.

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File a Consumer Complaint – Learn how to file a complaint and resolve your consumer problems.
Sample Consumer Complaint Letter – This sample letter can help you write an effective complaint.
Directory of State and Local Consumer Agencies – Contact your local consumer protection office to report frauds and scams, or to get help with a consumer complaint.

The Consumer Action Handbook has useful tips on topics from banking to wills.

How to Protect Yourself Against Frauds and Scams – Learn about the different types of scams and how to prevent thieves from taking your money.

Quick Consumer Tips – Review this checklist before making major purchases.
Before You Buy – Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
After You Buy – Minimize problems with products or services you have purchased.
Shopping Online – Know your consumer rights when shopping online or when using catalogs.
Check for Product Safety Recalls – Understand the importance of product recalls, the types of recalls, and how to be alerted of recalls by CPSC.
Service Contracts and Extended Warranties – Ask these questions before purchasing extended warranties.