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Resolving Consumer Problems

Things don’t always go right. Sometimes you don’t get what you ordered; sometimes you get an item of the blue. What are your obligations? And by the way, are there advantages to using any particular method of payment in terms of consumer protections?

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Refunds & Returns

Alternative Dispute Resolution

If you can’t resolve a problem with a company, you may be able to try an alternative dispute resolution program. These programs — including mediation or arbitration — can be quicker, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court.

Buyer’s Remorse: When the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule May Help

The FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you a 3-day right to cancel a sale made at your home, workplace or dormitory, or at a seller’s temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground or restaurant. But not all sales are covered.

Refund and Recovery Scams

If you’ve lost money to a scam, your name probably is on a ‘sucker’ list. You can expect calls offering to get your money back — for a fee. That’s a scam, too.

Sample Consumer Complaint Letter

Here’s a sample letter to help you draft your own complaint about a product or service.

Solving Consumer Problems

If you aren’t satisfied with a product or service, these tips and strategies can help you resolve the problem.

What to Do If You Were Scammed

Find out what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer, gave them some personal information, or if they have access to your phone or computer.

Shipping & Billing Errors

Billed for Merchandise You Never Received

Explains consumer protections and procedures so you don’t have to pay for merchandise you ordered but never got.

Sample Letter for Disputing a Debit Card Charge

Sample letter for disputing a debit

Unordered Merchandise

If you receive merchandise you didn’t order, you may keep it as a gift.