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You've been wronged. What do you do now? We'll help you settle a dispute without going to court, complain about your bank, report a barking dog, battle your cellphone provider over a billing issue — or even just give wisely to a charity. Agencies, information and strategies that can help:
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The book - $7
Best bets
· State Attorney General First things first. 1. Before you ask for federal or local help, try calling the business or service first to resolve a complaint. 2. Get organized before you begin, and have contracts, sales receipts, canceled checks, owner's manuals and warranty documents at your fingertips. If you're dealing with a large company, you may wish to call or write the company's headquarters. Ask for the consumer-affairs office. 3. If your item is covered by a warranty, make sure you've read and followed product and service instructions. 4. Once you're organized and ready to make the call, "be pleasant but firm in tone," the state Attorney General's office says. "State only the important details and what you want done." If you're having trouble getting what you want, you may wish to propose a fair settlement. Sometimes a compromise is better than no solution. 5. Finally, follow up with a registered letter with return receipt to document your complaint. See our sample letter for help. |
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Get the Consumer Guide in an 8 ½" x 11" bound copy, including the sample complaint letter and space for notes.  |
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