How to File an FTC Complaint Against a Company

Document Everything

Before filing, gather all evidence: screenshots, emails, receipts, terms of service, and a timeline of events. The stronger your documentation, the more impact your complaint has.

Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov — this is the FTC's official complaint portal. It replaced the old complaint assistant. The form takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Select the Category

Choose the category that best matches your issue: online shopping, internet services, banking, telecom, health, etc. The FTC uses these categories to identify patterns of abuse.

Describe the Issue Clearly

Write a clear, factual description of what happened. Include dates, dollar amounts, company names, and what resolution you sought. Avoid emotional language — facts are more effective.

Submit and Save Confirmation

Submit the complaint and save your confirmation number. The FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints but uses them to build cases against companies with patterns of violations.

File with State AG Too

Also file a complaint with your state's Attorney General office. State AGs often act faster than federal agencies and can pursue state-level consumer protection violations.