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Consumer Advocacy & Dispute Resolution

Consumer Rights & Merchant Dispute Hub

Step-by-step dispute resolution for defective contractor work, predatory debt collection, auto repair scams, deceptive billing, and state AG mediation.

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Official Consumer Protection Network

Download Free Legal Dispute Letters →

CFPB Financial Dispute
1-855-411-2372
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET
Official Portal →
CPSC Product Safety
1-800-638-2772
Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm ET
Official Portal →
NHTSA Auto Safety
1-888-327-4236
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET
Official Portal →

Official Quick Protocol

Report predatory merchants to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov or your state Attorney General Consumer Protection office. For contractor disputes, file with your state licensing board before taking legal action.

Jurisdictional Agency Routing Matrix

Identify whether your issue falls under federal authority, state regulatory commissions, or local oversight:

Violation or Dispute TypeEnforcement AgencyJurisdiction LevelDirect Filing PortalVerified Hotline
Banking, Mortgages & Credit InaccuraciesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Direct Company RoutingOfficial Portal →1-855-411-2372
Deceptive Business Practices & In-State ScamsState Attorney General Consumer DivisionBinding MediationOfficial Portal →State Dependent
Unlicensed Contractors & Construction DefectsState Contractor Licensing BoardBond Recovery FundOfficial Portal →State Licensing
Merchant Reputation & Public ComplaintsBetter Business Bureau (BBB)Non-GovernmentalOfficial Portal →Public Mediation

Step-by-Step Action Guides in This Category

Comprehensive filing checklists, statutory deadline explanations, and evidence preservation guidelines:

Verified Guide
5 min read

Consumer fraud

Official agency complaint filing protocols, required evidentiary documents, and statutory notice deadlines.

🏛️ Verified Routing
⚖️ Statutory Limits
Read Full Guide →
Verified Guide
5 min read

BBB complaints

Official agency complaint filing protocols, required evidentiary documents, and statutory notice deadlines.

🏛️ Verified Routing
⚖️ Statutory Limits
Read Full Guide →
Verified Guide
5 min read

Mechanic scams

Official agency complaint filing protocols, required evidentiary documents, and statutory notice deadlines.

🏛️ Verified Routing
⚖️ Statutory Limits
Read Full Guide →
Verified Guide
5 min read

Moving company scams

Official agency complaint filing protocols, required evidentiary documents, and statutory notice deadlines.

🏛️ Verified Routing
⚖️ Statutory Limits
Read Full Guide →
Verified Guide
5 min read

State consumer agencies

Official agency complaint filing protocols, required evidentiary documents, and statutory notice deadlines.

🏛️ Verified Routing
⚖️ Statutory Limits
Read Full Guide →
Verified Guide
5 min read

Fraud hub

Official agency complaint filing protocols, required evidentiary documents, and statutory notice deadlines.

🏛️ Verified Routing
⚖️ Statutory Limits
Read Full Guide →

50-State Network

Need State-Specific Agency Contacts?

Consumer protection divisions and labor commissioners vary by state jurisdiction. Access our interactive 50-state regulatory directory.

Browse 50-State Directory →

Citizen Toolkits

1-Click Formal Dispute Notice Letters

Send formal legal notice before statutory deadlines expire. Copy or print pre-formatted dispute letters ready for USPS Certified Mail.

Access Dispute Letters →

Frequently Asked Questions • Consumer Rights & Merchant Dispute Hub

Where do I report a business that scammed me?
Start with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov — they track patterns across complaints and can take action against repeat offenders. Also file with your state attorney general’s consumer protection office. For local businesses, a BBB complaint can sometimes get faster results.
Can I report a contractor without a license?
Yes. Contact your state’s contractor licensing board — most states have an online complaint portal. You can also report to the attorney general if money was lost, and leave reviews on Google and the BBB to warn others.