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Consumer Protection Branch

Consumer Protection Branch Consumer Information

  • Consumer Protection
    The Consumer Protection site on USA.gov  is a guide for consumers to learn scam types,  state  or local fraud protection resources and pathways for action in the event a qualifying consumer problem occurs. To reach the USAGov hotline call 1-844-USA-GOV1 or 1-844-872-4681.  
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Response Center
    Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace, and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To report a scam, visit the FTC’s website.
  • OVC Elder Fraud Hotline
    The Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Hotline is staffed by professionals who can help older adults, or someone assisting them, with filing a complaint and, on a case-by-case basis, making connections with providers of needed resources.
  • Internet Crime Complaint Center
    The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center.  
  • CFPB
    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is dedicated to making sure consumers are treated fairly by banks, lenders, and other financial institutions. Complaints can be filed with the CFPB. The agency’s website also has education materials about a range of financial topics, as well as fraud and scams.  
  • National Center for Disaster Fraud / Coronavirus Response
    Victims of scams or attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report information to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the national disaster fraud hotline or filling out a web form.  
  • SaferProducts.gov  
    Through SaferProducts.gov, consumers, child service providers, health care professionals, government officials and public safety entities can submit reports of harm (Reports) involving consumer products.  
  • HUD Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure A HUD resource informing home owning consumers of options and pathways to avoid foreclosure.  
  • HUD Foreclosure Resources by State  
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation The supervising organization of banks and savings banks to ensure operational safety and soundness.  
  • Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) – Help With My Bank
    Provides answers to consumer questions regarding the regulation of national banks and federal savings associations.  
  • National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
    The Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations works to reduce the cost of vehicle ownership by deterring odometer fraud according to Federal laws and requirements.  
  • Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative Elder Abuse Resource Roadmap
    A step-by-step guide to help report financial exploitation of an older adult and locate the right government agency.
Updated May 4, 2023