The Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, is the governmental body that overseas collection agencies, and the credit bureaus. The FTC doesn’t act upon individual complaints, but they create files against companies and utilize your case as ammunition when they go after an organization. The power the FTC wields can put a bad collection agency out of business. A complaint with the FTC is one of the ways you can fight back against debt collectors who break the law.
Collection agencies have learned to fear the FTC, and what they can do to their business. Often, the mere mention of a complaint to the FTC in a letter to a collection agency might facilitate positive account movement in your favor.
Example of Reasons to File a Complaint with the FTC:
- Collection agency calls after the time allowed
- Collection agency harassment
- Improper debt collection practices
- Refusal by a credit bureau to act on legitimate disputes
Below are the steps on how to file a complaint with the FTC. This video was provided by the FTC, and located on their YouTube page. Please keep in mind, this video shows the suggested means in which you can file a complaint with the FTC. In addition to the online form, you are able to phone in a complaint, or send it by postal mail.
In order to file a complaint with the FTC, you should go to the following website:
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
Once you log into the website, you will have to put your personal information, and summarized complaint. The FTC will provide you with an address to forward any supporting documentation.
As mentioned before, the FTC does not really act on individual complaints. If you are looking to secure damages for a violation of the FCRA or FDCPA, you will have to file suit in civil court.
This article was last updated on December 24, 2022