Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Learn how consumer fraud can affect you. There are several areas of consumer fraud you can detect. These include work-at-home opportunities, charity donation scams, misleading warranties, defective products or unfulfilled promises for services.
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Step 2
Explore the clause or terms of the agreement carefully in loan or credit applications. Be aware of the billing process in joining buyers' clubs for credit card companies. You can detect charges for these later.
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Step 3
Investigate any company before you enter into an agreement by visiting the Better Business Bureau online (see Resources below). The agency has information on more than 2 million businesses and makes it easy to check the number of complaints against a particular company.
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Step 4
Check your bank account regularly. Take sharp notice of every transaction and detect its origin. Similarly, check your credit card statement for any “hidden” fees.
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Step 5
Know about product liability, which includes defects in design, manufacturing and marketing (such as improper instructions). These are the types of things you would need to prove to claim consumer liability.
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Step 1
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection (see Resources below). You will need to fill out an online form detailing your case and providing contact information.
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Step 2
Follow additional links at the FTC Web site that might pertain to other areas involved in your complaint, such as reporting identity theft.
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Step 3
Consult a legal expert if the consumer fraud is of a complex nature, such as a case involving a harmful product. Many attorneys will work on a contingency basis so you only pay them if you win the case. Visit the FindLaw Web site to explore legal options (see Resources below).
