Resolving Consumer Problems

Things don’t always go right. Sometimes you don’t get what you ordered; sometimes you get an item of the blue. What are your obligations? And by the way, are there advantages to using any particular method of payment in terms of consumer protections?

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Refunds & Returns

Alternative Dispute Resolution

If you can’t resolve a problem with a company, you may be able to try an alternative dispute resolution program. These programs — including mediation or arbitration — can be quicker, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court.

Protections for In-Home Purchases: The Cooling-Off Rule

You have three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more made in your home or at a location that isn’t the seller’s permanent place of business.

Refund and Recovery Scams

If you’ve lost money to a scam, your name probably is on a ‘sucker’ list. You can expect calls offering to get your money back — for a fee. That’s a scam, too.

Sample Consumer Complaint Letter

Here’s a sample letter to help you draft your own complaint about a product or service.

Solving Consumer Problems

If you aren’t satisfied with a product or service, these tips and strategies can help you resolve the problem.

Shipping & Billing Errors

Billed for Merchandise You Never Received? Here's What To Do

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule offer protections so you don't have to pay for merchandise you ordered but never received.

Unordered Merchandise

If you receive merchandise you didn’t order, you may keep it as a gift.