This page will point you toward resources that you may find helpful in learning about your rights as a consumer. It also tells you how to file a consumer complaint.
Basic Consumer Rights Information
- COVID-19 Consumer Resource Center website (consumer.law)
- Consumer.gov
- Consumer Assistance Program - Vermont Attorney General
- File Your Consumer Complaint - Vermont Attorney General
- Consumer Information - Federal Trade Commission
- Consumer Law Information - Vermont Attorney General
- Consumer Education Information for Non-Lawyers - National Consumer Law Center
Privacy and Safety
- Identity Theft - On our website, includes sample letters and information
- Data Breaches - On our website, includes list of recent breaches
- Internet Safety and Privacy - Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
- Is Information About My Finances Private? - Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Debt Collection
- Debt and Debt Collection - On our website, includes sample letters and information
- You Can Protect Your Property and Income - On our website
- Student Loans - On our website
Car Purchasing
- Tips for Consumers in Vehicle Sales, Service and Financing - Consumer Assistance Program
Junk Mail, Telemarketing and Sweepstakes
- Do Not Call Registry
- Information About Getting Your Name Off Mailing Lists
- Get Your Name off Telemarketing Lists
- Information About Getting Your Name Off Email Lists
- Shopping By Phone - A One-Stop Guide to Consumer Protection
- Sweepstakes: What to Know Before You Enter
- Sweepstakes: You Don't Have To Buy Anything
- Tips For Shopping By Mail Or Telephone
File a Complaint
1. File a complaint with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program.
2. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection takes complaints and conducts investigations to stop unfair, tricky and illegal business practices. The FTC cannot resolve individual consumer complaints, but they give some tips that may help you get your money back. The FTC accepts complaints related to many topics, including:
- Identity theft
- Credit and debt
- Unwanted telemarketing, texts, SPAM
- Mobile devices or telephones
- Internet services, online shopping, computers
- Jobs, making money
Watch the FTC’s video about how to file a complaint.
3. File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau supervises banks, credit unions, and other financial companies and enforces federal consumer financial laws. Contact the CFPF with problems about:
Loans
Financial Services
- Bank accounts or services
- Credit cards
- Prepaid cards
- Credit reports and scores
- Debt collection
- Money transfers
