What happens when a consumer files a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission?

One of the options that consumers think of when they have a consumer complaint against a company is to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the nation's main consumer protection agency. It has broad powers to address companies that engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Most people are unsure of what happens after they file a complaint. Does the FTC open a case for them? Does the FTC arbitrate or negotiate for them? Does the FTC sue the company? What happens?

The FTC does not open a case for you

After devoting several years to leading the consumer protection unit of the Wyoming Attorney General's Office, and being engaged in joint cases with other states and the FTC, I learned many things about how the FTC handles consumer complaints. First, the FTC does not open cases for individual consumer complaints. A consumer will not have a case opened for them, or have the FTC negotiate on their behalf. There are far too many consumer complaints for the FTC to handle matters that way. Additionally, the FTC's authority is focused on consumers as a whole nationwide. Its attention is not focused on individuals. When the FTC acts, it is doing so on behalf of the general public. (Some complaints are actually taken by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau "CFPB" instead of the FTC. Those include complaints about debt collection, credit cards and credit reporting)

The FTC takes action when there are lots of complaints about a company

Second, the FTC does bring enforcement actions against companies based in part on consumer complaints. The number of complaints and the seriousness of the alleged harms are factors that go into the FTC's decision on whether to bring an enforcement action against a particular company. There are other considerations too. Altogether, the FTC's decision to act against a company is the accumulation of many different factors including the consumer complaints filed with the FTC. If a company is receiving a high volume of consumer complaints filed with the FTC, that company is going to be more likely to receive attention from the FTC. This makes it imperative that you file your complaint so that the FTC can take action if the company is receiving many complaints.

Complaints filed with the FTC give the FTC intelligence on bad company practices

Third, the consumer complaints provide insight in to how companies act towards consumers and trends in unfair or deceptive practices and acts. The FTC publishes an annual report that shows the types and numbers of complaints. The annual report gives a snapshot of the consumer complaints nationwide that have been filed with the FTC.

What can you do?

Oftentimes, a consumer complaint can be handled by a private attorney instead of the FTC or the CFPB. There are numerous laws that provide for private enforcement of consumer protection laws. If you want a consultation regarding your consumer complaint, contact Harmony law through our website or call (970) 488-1857. We may be able to provide a consultation. Consultations are $300, paid in advance. Consultations are normally done over the telephone.

What if your Business is contacted by the FTC or CFPB?

We also assist businesses that are contacted by the FTC or CFPB. Please contact us if your business receives anything from the FTC or CFPB, whether that is a letter, civil investigative demand (CID) or anything else. Act quickly. Check out or post about FTC civil investigative demands.