Your Rights as a US Consumer: A Quick Primer

US consumers are protected by a mix of federal agencies and laws. You do not need to be a lawyer to use them.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Handles fraud, scams, and deceptive practices. Reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov feed investigations and enforcement.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Covers banks, lenders, credit cards, and other financial products. Companies must respond to CFPB complaints.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

A private organization that mediates disputes and publishes business profiles and ratings.

Why public experiences matter

Beyond official channels, transparent consumer reports create accountability. When enough people share honest experiences, patterns become visible and businesses are motivated to improve.