How to File a Complaint Against a Fraudulent Company

Did you know that consumer fraud costs Americans billions of dollars annually? According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), fraud reports totaled over $8.8 billion in losses in 2022—a staggering increase from previous years. Whether you’ve been scammed by an online retailer, misled by false advertising, or faced financial fraud, taking action is crucial. This guide will walk you through how to file a complaint against a fraudulent company effectively, ensuring that your case gets the attention it deserves.

Contents

1 Steps to File a Complaint Against a Fraudulent Company
2 Preventing Future Fraud
3 Conclusion
- 3.1 Need More Consumer Protection Tips?

Steps to File a Complaint Against a Fraudulent Company

1. Gather Evidence

Before filing a complaint, collect all relevant information to support your claim:

Receipts, invoices, and order confirmations
Email exchanges or chat transcripts with the company
Screenshots of misleading advertisements or false claims
Bank statements showing unauthorized charges

Having solid proof strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of a resolution.

2. Contact the Company First

Many businesses, even fraudulent ones, try to resolve complaints to avoid legal trouble or negative publicity. Contact the company via:

Customer service email or phone number
Social media (some companies respond quickly to public complaints)
BBB (Better Business Bureau) complaint page

If the company refuses to cooperate, move on to filing official complaints with authorities.

3. Report to Government Agencies

Several official organizations handle fraud complaints:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The FTC investigates fraudulent business practices and can take legal action.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (For financial fraud)

Website: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Handles complaints related to banks, credit cards, loans, and financial scams.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Website: bbb.org
The BBB helps mediate disputes and warns consumers about bad actors.

State Attorney General’s Office

Every U.S. state has an Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division that investigates fraud.
Find your state’s office: usa.gov/state-attorney-general

4. File a Complaint with Industry-Specific Agencies

Depending on the nature of the fraud, you may need to contact specialized agencies:

Internet scams – Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Investment fraud – Contact the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Health-related scams – File a complaint with the FDA

5. Post Reviews & Warn Others

Leaving detailed, honest reviews can help others avoid falling into the same trap:

Google Reviews
Trustpilot
Reddit or Consumer Advocacy Forums

Be factual and provide evidence so your review carries credibility.

6. Seek Legal Action (If Necessary)

If you’ve suffered significant losses, consider legal action:

Contact a consumer protection attorney
Join a class-action lawsuit if others have been affected
Use small claims court for disputes under a certain dollar amount

Websites like nolo.com provide resources for finding consumer protection lawyers.

Preventing Future Fraud

To avoid falling victim to scams, follow these best practices:

Research before purchasing – Check for reviews, BBB ratings, and fraud reports.
Use secure payment methods – Credit cards and PayPal offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers.
Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers – Scammers often lure victims with huge discounts and unrealistic promises.
Verify website security – Look for “HTTPS” in the URL and a lock symbol before entering personal information.

Conclusion

Filing a complaint against a fraudulent company may seem daunting, but by gathering evidence, reporting to authorities, and warning others, you can help bring scammers to justice. Have you ever encountered a fraudulent company? Share your experience in the comments below to help others stay informed!