What is the minimum age that someone is able to file a consumer complaint with each of the three agencies, and do the minimum ages differ between the agencies?

There's no age-related reason to limit you from filing a complaint with any agency. If you are resident in this nation (whether a citizen or not), you may complain and expect a response. Just make sure that you express yourself clearly, have evidence of a specific situation about which you are complaining, and give particulars. Also, let the agency clearly know how to respond to you. Whether or not your complaint is resolved in your favor, don't let your age keep you from making it. Do be specific. You can't just say something like, "The local ice cream shop is unfair to us kids. Do something about it." _Unfairness to us kids_ is not specific enough.

How old do you have to be to get Consumer protection?

Infants are covered by consumer protection laws. So you don't have to be very old at all.

How do you submit a complaint?

I think that is in the lesson. Listen to it again.

Do the Consumer protection agencies are availble in some countries? I'm in Vietnam and I'm not sure if there are any agencies will be available.

The Khan Academy lessons are, unfortunately, focused on how things operate in the USA. For information on how they operate in Vietnam, you probably have to ask your legislative representative or local government office.

Main content

Course: Financial Literacy > Unit 8

Lesson 3: Consumer protection agencies

How to file a consumer complaint

Google Classroom

When you buy a product or service, you expect it to work properly and meet your expectations. But what if it doesn't? You might need to file a consumer complaint to get the issue resolved.

How to file a consumer complaint and follow up

Sometimes when we buy things or use services, we might not be happy with what we receive. Maybe the item did not work properly or the company wasn't being fair. If that happens, you can file a consumer complaint to get help. Here are some steps you should follow to get the help you need.

Step 1: Contact the seller or provider first

Before you file a formal complaint, try to talk to the company that sold you the item or service. Maybe they made a mistake and will fix it for you. If they don't help, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Gather evidence and documentation

Collect any information you have about the problem, like receipts, photos, or emails. This will help you show what happened and why you need help.

Step 3: Choose the right agency or authority

Now that you have your evidence, it's time to find the right agency to help you. Different agencies handle different types of complaints. Here are a few examples:

Better Business Bureau (BBB): This agency helps with complaints about businesses in general.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): This agency focuses on complaints about financial products and services.
State Securities Board (SSB): This agency deals with complaints about investments and securities.

Research which agency is the best fit for your complaint before moving forward.

Check your understanding

Which agency?

Read the following scenario and decide which agency would be best to file a complaint with.

Maria received a damaged item from an online store and the store refused to help.

Which agency should she file a complaint with?

Step 4: Fill out the complaint form or letter

Once you've chosen the right agency, it's time to fill out the complaint form online or write a letter. Make sure to include all the important details and attach your evidence. Be clear and concise in explaining your issue.

Possible outcomes and remedies

When you file a consumer complaint, there are several possible outcomes. You might get a refund, replacement, or repair for the product or service. In some cases, legal action might be taken against the seller or provider. The agency you contacted will help guide you through this process.

The agency may also find that the seller or provider was not at fault, or that the evidence you provided was not sufficient.

Examples of consumer complaints

Successful complaint

Here's an example of a successful complaint: a person ordered a pair of shoes online, but when they arrived, they were the wrong size. The person contacted the company, but they didn't offer any help. After filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the company finally sent the correct size shoes and provided a return label for the incorrect pair.

Unsuccessful complaint

Here's an example of an unsuccessful complaint: a person bought a video game and didn't like it because it was too difficult. They tried returning it to the store, but the store would not accept it because it was opened and used. The person filed a complaint, but the agency couldn't help because the game wasn't faulty or falsely advertised - it just wasn't the right fit for the person's preferences.

Following up on a consumer complaint

After you file a complaint, keep track of what happens. Stay in touch with the agency or the seller to see if they're working on your problem. If you don't get the help you need, you might need to try something else, like talking to a lawyer or asking for help from a different group.

Remember, filing a consumer complaint can help make things right when you've been treated unfairly. Just follow these steps and stay patient, and you'll be on your way to a solution.

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C H
Posted 10 months ago. Direct link to C H's post “What is the minimum age t...”
What is the minimum age that someone is able to file a consumer complaint with each of the three agencies, and do the minimum ages differ between the agencies?
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(2 votes)
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- David Alexander
  Posted 10 months ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “There's no age-related re...”
  There's no age-related reason to limit you from filing a complaint with any agency. If you are resident in this nation (whether a citizen or not), you may complain and expect a response. Just make sure that you express yourself clearly, have evidence of a specific situation about which you are complaining, and give particulars. Also, let the agency clearly know how to respond to you.
  
  Whether or not your complaint is resolved in your favor, don't let your age keep you from making it.
  
  Do be specific. You can't just say something like, "The local ice cream shop is unfair to us kids. Do something about it." Unfairness to us kids is not specific enough.
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  (6 votes)
Angel G
Posted 2 months ago. Direct link to Angel G's post “hi how are you”
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Almya
Posted 2 months ago. Direct link to Almya's post “How old do you have to be...”
How old do you have to be to get Consumer protection?
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- David Alexander
  Posted 2 months ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “Infants are covered by co...”
  Infants are covered by consumer protection laws. So you don't have to be very old at all.
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Samantha Jean-Louis
Posted 10 days ago. Direct link to Samantha Jean-Louis's post “How do you submit a compl...”
How do you submit a complaint?
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- David Alexander
  Posted 10 days ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “I think that is in the le...”
  I think that is in the lesson. Listen to it again.
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hduong20
Posted 11 days ago. Direct link to hduong20's post “Do the Consumer protectio...”
Do the Consumer protection agencies are availble in some countries? I'm in Vietnam and I'm not sure if there are any agencies will be available.
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(1 vote)
Answer
- David Alexander
  Posted 10 days ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “The Khan Academy lessons ...”
  The Khan Academy lessons are, unfortunately, focused on how things operate in the USA. For information on how they operate in Vietnam, you probably have to ask your legislative representative or local government office.
  Button navigates to signup page
  (2 votes)
Giannalie Almedina
Posted 16 days ago. Direct link to Giannalie Almedina's post “What is the minimum age t...”
What is the minimum age that someone is able to file a consumer complaint with each of the three agencies, and do the minimum ages differ between the agencies?
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(1 vote)
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- David Alexander
  Posted 15 days ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “If you are a consumer, yo...”
  If you are a consumer, you may file a complaint. Were I you, I would file one with each of the agencies, and copy all agencies on all of the complaints. I would also send a copy of my complaints to the member of Congress who represents the district in which I reside.
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Samantha Jean-Louis
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Does bbb help you if your electronics or belongings are destroyed or stolen by a thief?
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IsaccG
Posted 3 months ago. Direct link to IsaccG's post “What is the minimum age t...”
What is the minimum age that someone is able to file a consumer complaint with each of the three agencies, and do the minimum ages differ between the agencies?
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- David Alexander
  Posted 3 months ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “There is likely no minimu...”
  There is likely no minimum age. If you are making the complaint on your own, though, you should be able to fill out the form. If your ability to express yourself clearly is not yet at that level, maybe you need to get a parent to help.
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