Complaints Don't Have to Cost a Thing

Lookout scam victims and dissatisfied customers! Beware of companies promising to resolve complaints, "get money back," or recover funds lost to scammers—for a fee. Better Business Bureau has concerns about a recent complaint filed on Onlinebusinessscams.com of Phoenix.

Legitimate complaint facilitators cannot guarantee enforcement actions, settlements or refunds; however, complaint handlers can help get responses and resolutions.

"When a transaction goes awry, consumers shouldn't have to pay more money just to file a dispute," stated Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. "That's why BBB offers free complaint handling services."

Consumer blogs allow the public to express concerns, but don't give businesses an opportunity to respond. When disputes arise, BBB encourages consumers to attempt to resolve complaints with companies first. If assistance is needed, file complaints for free with the following agencies and organizations:

• Better Business Bureau: BBB accepts complaints on consumer-to-business and business-to-business transactions that involve advertisements and sales of products or services. BBB processes written complaints and publicly reports a record of complaint resolutions on businesses' BBB Business Reviews, which are available for free at bbb.org or 503-212-3022. Fill out BBB's Online Complaint Form to file instantly or use the Downloadable Complaint Form to submit complaints by mail. Contact BBB for more complaint resources by industry.
• The State Attorney General's Office: The Attorney General releases complaints to businesses for resolution and monitors practices which violate Washington's Unfair Business Practices-Consumer Protection Act. File complaints through the Washington State Office of the Attorney General online or call 1.800.551.4636 for information and assistance. Find states using the National Association of Attorneys General at naag.org.
• The Internet Crime Complaint Center: The IC3 processes cyber crime complaints that may be referred to law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation. Visit IC3.gov.
• Anti-Phishing Work Group: APWG works to fight spam and phishing emails. Forward emails to reportphishing@antiphishing.org or fill out the form at antiphishing.org.
• Federal Trade Commission: The FTC collects complaints about identity theft, fraud and deceptive business practices. If victimized, file a complaint at ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call 1-877-382-4357 or 1-877-438-4338. Report suspicious emails to spam@uce.gov.

Report scams and problems to help agencies investigate patterns, notify the public, and enforce government actions.