Here are some
important tips on how to file a complaint with the FTC, for shoppers and
merchants.
Why should I file a complaint with
the FTC?
Filing a complaint with the FTC is important for a number of
reasons:
1) Complaints get
entered into a secure database used by law enforcement to
investigate cases. Identity thieves do not necessarily limit
themselves to victims in a single jurisdiction. Even if your local
law enforcement agency can't investigate your case, you may be
able to provide useful information to a law enforcement officer
investigating from another jurisdiction.
2) The FTC
aggregates related complaints into large case leads and refers
them out to task forces or other law enforcement agencies for
investigation. You may think you're the only victim of this
identity thief when, in fact, you may be one of many. The more
complaints we receive, the better our chances of discovering
patterns of theft and taking steps to catch the criminals.
3) The FTC analyzes
information from complaints to understand more about identity
theft and the problems victims are having in resolving it.
Policy-makers and businesses are interested in this information so
that they can craft better remedies to prevent identity theft and
to provide better victim assistance. Understanding the problem is
the first step to resolving it. You are the best source of that
information. See
Statistics.
4) The FTC can open
investigations against entities which have violated consumer
protection laws which we enforce. See
http://www.ftc.gov/ogc/stat3.htm. Although we do not advocate
on behalf of individuals and we cannot guarantee that an
investigation will be opened on the basis of your particular
complaint, consumer complaints are one way in which we are able to
discover law violations and to take enforcement action. For more
information, see
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/action.htm.
Source: FTC
The FTC works for the
consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business
practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help
consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a
complaint or to get
free information on
consumer issues, visit
www.ftc.gov or call
toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The
FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other
fraud-related complaints into
Consumer
Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of
civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Molly's Fund Medical Organizer
- Organize your medical history, medications, and more with Molly's
Med Minder. Exclusive interview with Molly McCabe.
FAQs with Merchants
HealthCare
Finance - CareCredit offers special financing for medical
procedures from Cosmetic Dentistry to LASIK Surgery.
Unmanned
Aircraft Systems - AeroVironment, Inc. is the largest producer of
small UAS in the world today.
Baby
Bassinets - Find out what characterizes a good baby bassinet in this
FAQ with Arm's Reach. Also check out their Pet Beds
exclusive interview.
Southern California Wedding -
Prestine country club setting in Southern California with spectacular views. Exclusive interview
with Sherwood Country Club.
Israel
Biblical Tours - This travel company has archaeologists and scholars
to guide you through the Holy Land.
Church Banners - Exclusive interview with Amplify Designs, the leading manufacturer of Church banners.
CD
Manufacturing - Music Manufacturing Services provides CD's for the
Music Industry all around the world.
Live
Longer... A Science? - David H. Murdock, Chairman of the Dole Food
Company says it is, and he created the luxurious California Health &
Counterfeit
Handbags - "The World Customs Organization estimates the trade in
fakes at about 7 percent of world trade."
Carpet
Cleaning Tips - "Always ask about referrals and if they have a list of
what they do to prepare your carpets for cleaning, and what type of system
do they use..." QA with Sunset Carpet Cleaning
Shopping for
Purses "Whats happening now at a great speed is manufacturers overseas
will see the latest it bag and then duplicate the bag... Price is
primarily why people would buy a knock-off purse as opposed to the real
thing.." Kitsch Purses Q & A
Workers'
Compensation Info "The huge benefit of the Internet is time and
expense savings. The only other way to get all of this information other
than the Internet is at your local law library." FAQ with
WorkCompCentral
Eating
Disorder Treatment - In this FAQ Monte Nido explains how you can find
the right treatment center online.
Planes
Without Pilots Imagine a 3 1/2 foot remote controlled plane that flies
straight up for miles.
Eating
Disorder Help For those dealing with eating disorders, hope is never
too far behind.
Mass
CD Duplication. All of the sudden record labels began relying heavily
on CD manufacturers for the mass production of their clients' albums.
Corporate
Entertainment Corporate meetings are becoming more common in spas than
conference rooms, with room service cuisine rather than with fast food
from drive-thrus.
