How to File a Consumer Fraud Alert

When you are a victim of fraud, there are steps you can take to report it. Some of the steps you take will allow consumer alerts to be submitted to a global database that is accessible by various law enforcement agencies. The database can also be used to forewarn other consumers of the fraud. For a more hands-on investigation of your consumer fraud alert, you should contact the governing authorities in your particular state.

Instructions

Federal Trade Commission

1. Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.

2. Click the "Consumer Complaint" link located in the "Quick Finder" section near the top of the page.

3. Click "FTC Complaint Assistant."

4. Follow the complaint assistant prompts to enter all the information about your complaint. For example, you will be asked for your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the company you suspect of fraud, the names of individuals you have spoken to at the company and the amount of money involved.

5. Click "Submit" when you finish entering all the information concerning your complaint. You will be given a reference number. Be sure to keep it in case you have future questions about your complaint.

The National Fraud Information Center

1. Visit the National Fraud Information Center (NFIC) website.

2. Click "Online Complaint Form."

3. Complete the "Online Fraud Report Form" by entering information such as your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the company you suspect of fraud, the names of individuals you have spoken to within the company and the amount of money that was involved.

4. Click the "Submit Report" button to submit your complaint. NFIC will then submit your fraud report to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies so the agencies can detect patterns of fraud.

Consumer Fraud Reporting

1. Visit the Consumer Fraud Reporting website.

2. Click the button that is labeled "Report a Scam." You can then click on the link to access the online feedback form.

3. Complete the feedback form by entering your name, email address and comments about the fraudulent activity.

4. Click the "Send Feedback" button to submit your fraud alert.

Your State's Governing Authority

1. Contact your State Attorney General's Consumer Protection or Consumer Complaints department if you would like a more individual approach to your issue. The exact wording for the department will vary by state. However, the key word is consumer.

2. Advise the Attorney General representative that you would like to file a complaint for consumer fraud. The representative will provide you with a copy of the form that needs to be completed. Some State Attorney General websites also allow you to complete a complaint form online.

3. Complete the complaint form by entering your name and contact information, as well as the name and contact information for the company or individual that you suspect is fraudulent. Include other information, such as a detailed description of what took place, when it took place, what you have done to try and resolve the matter, and whether or not there was money involved.

4. Submit the completed form to the State Attorney General representative. Wait for the Attorney General's office to complete an investigation regarding your complaint to determine whether or not the company or individual is guilty of fraud.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Protecting Americas Consumers
• NFIC Website
• Consumer Fraud Reporting Website
• Consumer Action Website: Federal Citizen Information Center
• How the Fraud Center Works: Q&A

Resources

• State Attorney General Contact List
• International Consumer Protection & Enforcement Network: Who Can Help You