What to do later
Assess your security at home and online
If your personal or financial information has been given out or stolen in a scam, change all your online passwords on a device not linked to the scam. Use a different password for each account. If your computer or phone has been hacked in a scam, take it to an authorised technician to be cleaned.
CERT NZ are experts in cyber security. See their website for tips on simple ways to improve your cyber safety.
Guides(external link) — CERT NZ
Equip yourself to recognise scams
Anyone can be caught unaware by a scam. Take time to learn about the approaches scammers use and how you can protect yourself.
Types of scams— Consumer Protection
Talk about what happened
Telling your friends and family about the scam is one of the best ways to take action. It can be hard, but sharing your story is worthwhile because scammers rely on people being secretive. Every person you talk to will be better prepared to avoid scams in the future.
FAQs
Sometimes the CFPB will send a warning letter to advise recipients that certain actions may violate federal consumer financial law. These are not accusations of wrongdoing.
Does filing a complaint with FTC help? ›
Complaints help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies bring scam artists to justice and put an end to unfair and misleading business practices. If you have a complaint, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Who should you first contact with a consumer complaint? ›
Contact the company about your complaint
If you have a complaint about a company's products or services, contact them first before you seek help elsewhere. Explain your problem to the company by calling, web chatting, or sending them a formal complaint letter.
Who does the Michigan consumer protection act apply to? ›
Who does the law apply to and how can consumers sue? The law applies to businesses in Michigan that participate in trade or commerce. If an unlawful act conducted by a business causes injury or loss to a consumer, the consumer has the right to take legal action and file a civil suit against the offending business.
Does filing a complaint with CFPB do anything? ›
Consistent with applicable law, we securely share complaints with other state and federal agencies to, among other things, facilitate: supervision activities, enforcement activities, and. monitor the market for consumer financial products and services.
What powers does the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have? ›
The CFPB has regulatory authority over providers of many types of financial products and services, including credit cards, banking accounts, loan servicing, credit reporting and consumer debt collection. A person shops in the beef section of a supermarket on February 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Can the FTC get my money back? ›
The FTC enforces consumer protection laws to stop illegal business practices and get refunds to people who lost money.
What are the 3 things that the FTC consumer protection Bureau do? ›
The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by:
- collecting complaints and conducting investigations.
- suing companies and people that break the law.
- developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace.
As soon as you think you see a scam, talk with someone, and then tell the FTC. Go to ftc.gov/complaint to file your report.
What must you never do when dealing with a customer complaint? ›
Failing to follow up with the customer, ignoring or dismissing the complaint, or acting as if it isn't worthy of addressing. Making excuses, deflecting, or laying the blame back on the customer, management, or another department.
Get Outside Help
- Contact your state attorney general or state consumer protection office. ...
- Contact a national consumer organization. ...
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is made up of organizations supported by local businesses. ...
- File a report with the FTC.
Having the BBB mediate your complaint can sometimes result in a refund, but the BBB isn't able to force companies to fix the dispute. There are a few other places where you can report a problem that might or might not result in getting your money back.
How do I file a complaint against a company in Michigan? ›
Consumer Complaint
Not all consumer complaints are handled by the Attorney General. If we do not handle it, we will forward it on to the appropriate agency. If you have questions about filing a complaint, please call 517-335-7599. In-state residents can also call 877-765-8388.
What is the Michigan consumer privacy law? ›
The Michigan Personal Data Privacy Act outlines the following requirements for businesses: Posting a clear and accessible privacy policy for consumers. Providing opt-in consent options for processing all personal data. Performing data protection impact assessments to process sensitive personal data.
How to file a lawsuit against a company in Michigan? ›
Filing takes place in the circuit court for the county where the incident occurred or in the circuit court for the county where the defendant lives. To start a civil action, a summons and complaint must be filed, filing fees must be paid, and all of the parties must be served with notice of the complaint.
Is a check from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau legitimate? ›
If you have received a check from the CFPB, it is because we have taken an enforcement action against a person or company for violating a consumer financial protection law, and you are eligible for compensation as a result of this violation.
What does the CFPB investigate? ›
The CFPB investigates potential violations of federal consumer financial laws by entities or individuals within its authority and initiates public enforcement actions when appropriate. Timely actions, according to the agency, help better protect consumers.
What actions can the CFPB take? ›
Our work includes:
- Rooting out unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices by writing rules, supervising companies, and enforcing the law.
- Enforcing laws that outlaw discrimination in consumer finance.
- Taking consumer complaints.
- Enhancing financial education.
The functions of the CFPB to assist people in borrowing money or using other financial services include: implementing and enforcing Federal consumer financial laws; reviewing business practices to ensure that financial services providers are following the law; monitoring the marketplace and taking appropriate action to ...
