When a company stonewalls you, these are the people it actually answers to. Regulators and consumer-protection offices take complaints on the record, for free — you never need a paid service. Every company’s page also lists the ones that apply to it.
Applies to every companyStart here
Federal Trade Commission
Deceptive or unfair business practices, billing problems, scams, false advertising, and general consumer fraud across any industry.
State Attorney General - Consumer Protection
Consumer fraud, unfair or deceptive practices, and billing disputes under each state's consumer protection laws. The right office depends on your state.
Better Business Bureau
Mediation of marketplace disputes between consumers and businesses, plus reviews and scam reporting. Not a government agency.
Airlines
U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection
Airline and ticket-agent complaints: flight delays and cancellations, refunds, baggage, bumping, disability and discrimination issues.
Automotive
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Vehicle safety defects and recalls — report a problem with a car, tire, or child seat.
Banks & Finance
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Complaints about banks, credit cards, loans, mortgages, credit reporting, debt collection, and payment services (e.g., PayPal, prepaid cards).
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency - HelpWithMyBank
Complaints about national banks and federal savings associations (institutions with 'National' or 'N.A.' in the name), including accounts and fees.
Food & Restaurants
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Food)
Problems with restaurant or packaged food (non-meat): foodborne illness, contamination, mislabeling, allergic reactions.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Problems with meat, poultry, or processed egg products — contamination, illness, mislabeling.
State / Local Health Department
Restaurant sanitation, food handling, and foodborne-illness complaints — handled by your city or county health department.
Grocery & Supermarkets
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Food)
Problems with restaurant or packaged food (non-meat): foodborne illness, contamination, mislabeling, allergic reactions.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Problems with meat, poultry, or processed egg products — contamination, illness, mislabeling.
State / Local Health Department
Restaurant sanitation, food handling, and foodborne-illness complaints — handled by your city or county health department.
Health Insurance
State Department of Insurance (via NAIC)
Complaints against insurers for auto, home, property/casualty, life, and health policies: claim delays and denials, cancellations, and policy disputes.
Medicare (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Complaints and grievances about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans: coverage, quality of care, plan service, and enrollment issues.
Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
Issues and appeals for federal Marketplace (ACA) health plans: eligibility determinations, enrollment problems, and coverage denials.
Insurance
State Department of Insurance (via NAIC)
Complaints against insurers for auto, home, property/casualty, life, and health policies: claim delays and denials, cancellations, and policy disputes.
Pharmacy & Health Retail
State Board of Pharmacy
Complaints about a pharmacy or pharmacist — dispensing errors, refusals, staffing, wait times.
FDA MedWatch (Drugs)
Problems or adverse events with prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Retail & Delivery
USPS Office of the Consumer Advocate
Complaints about U.S. Postal Service delivery: late, lost, or damaged mail and packages, and service problems at local post offices.
Postal Regulatory Commission
Complaints that the Postal Service is not complying with postal laws or regulations, and concerns about postal policy such as rates and service standards.
Telecom & Internet
Federal Communications Commission
Complaints about phone, wireless, internet, cable, and satellite providers, including billing, service, unwanted calls/texts, and outages.
Travel & Hospitality
U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection
Airline and ticket-agent complaints: flight delays and cancellations, refunds, baggage, bumping, disability and discrimination issues.
Utilities & Energy
State Public Utility Commission
Billing disputes, service quality, shutoffs, and rate complaints against your electric, gas, or water utility.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal issues with interstate electric transmission, wholesale power, and natural-gas pipelines.
Agency contacts are public, official sources, compiled for consumers. State-level offices (your attorney general, your department of insurance) vary by state — the links point you to the right one. Spot something out of date? Tell us.