How do I make a consumer complaint?

If you have a complaint about customer service, you should contact the company first and try to resolve your complaint directly. We suggest you put your complaint in writing (letter, fax or email).

If that doesn’t work or you would just like to enquire about a company, please contact the Better Business Bureau located nearest to the company. You may also file a complaint with the BBB.

As in Australia, every state in the USA has its own consumer affairs office that may be of assistance.

Other websites you may find useful:

• Making a complaint (ACCC)
• Consumer Action
• Selected federal agencies
• Corporate consumer contacts

How do I identify a scam or fraud?

If you suspect a scam or fraud, please contact the consumer affairs agency in the state where you live in Australia.

If you wish to complain about an internet fraud to the U.S. government, you may contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center or you may wish to register your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (an agency similar to the ACCC).

The Queensland Police Service offers useful information on Advance Fee Fraud that includes schemes purporting to involve an Australian citizen in an African hospital.

Other websites you may find useful:

• "Complete" listing of scams (W.A. government)
• Consumer Sentinel Network (FTC)
• Cybercrime (U.S. Dept. of Justice)
• Fraud Center (National Consumers League)
• International financial scams (U.S. Dept. of State)
• International organizations (ACCC)
• Investor Information (U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission)
• Looks too good to be true
• Scamwatch (ACCC)
• Scamwatch (NZ Ministry of Consumer Affairs)
• Internet fraud tips
• Scambusters

Please note: If you are an Australian citizen and are the victim of a fraud/crime, please contact the Australian Federal Police even if you believe the offender/group originates in the United States. The AFP will pass on the relevant information to international agencies as required.

How do I find information about a particular company or business in the United States?

The U.S. national regulator for listed public companies is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission whose Office of Investor Education and Advocacy provides investor information.

Information about companies or businesses that are not traded on the stock market may often be found by contacting the Corporations Division (the name varies) of the Secretary of State of the U.S. state where the company has been registered.

Businesses that apply to the Better Business Bureau for accreditation agree to meet certains standards of trust.

Other websites you may find useful:

• Company, industry and career research (Harvard University)
• Company information (DMOZ)
• Industry (Internet Public Library)
• Selected business resources (New York State Library)
• Thomas Register