Important: File your complaint directly on the FTC website. This template provides the content you'll need for the online form.
Before You Start
- Go to ftc.gov/complaint
- Select a category that fits your issue (e.g., "Online Shopping" for subscription billing, or "Something Else" if unsure)
- Fill in the form fields, then copy/paste the narrative below into the description
- Be specific: include exact dates, dollar amounts, and names of people you spoke with
- Save or screenshot your confirmation number after submitting
Template
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Company Name: [COMPANY LEGAL NAME]
Company Address: [COMPANY ADDRESS]
Company Phone: [COMPANY PHONE]
Company Website: [COMPANY WEBSITE]
YOUR INFORMATION:
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]
Account/Member Number: [YOUR ACCOUNT OR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER WITH THE COMPANY]
AMOUNT LOST: $[TOTAL AMOUNT]
PAYMENT METHOD: [CREDIT CARD / DEBIT CARD / BANK TRANSFER]
DESCRIPTION OF COMPLAINT:
I am filing this complaint against [COMPANY NAME] for unauthorized recurring charges and deceptive billing practices.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS:
- [DATE]: [DESCRIBE ORIGINAL SIGN-UP OR AGREEMENT]
- [DATE]: [DESCRIBE CANCELLATION REQUEST]
- [DATE]: [DESCRIBE CONTINUED UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES]
- [DATE]: [DESCRIBE ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE]
SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS:
1. DECEPTIVE PRACTICES: [DESCRIBE HOW THE COMPANY MISLED YOU]
2. UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES: The company continued to charge my account after I [CANCELLED / NEVER AUTHORIZED] the recurring payments. Total unauthorized charges: $[AMOUNT]
3. DIFFICULT CANCELLATION: [DESCRIBE OBSTACLES TO CANCELLATION IF APPLICABLE]
RESOLUTION ATTEMPTS:
I have attempted to resolve this matter directly with the company:
- [DATE]: [CONTACT METHOD AND RESULT]
- [DATE]: [CONTACT METHOD AND RESULT]
The company has refused to provide a refund despite [DESCRIBE WHY REFUND IS WARRANTED].
REQUESTED RELIEF:
I am seeking a full refund of $[AMOUNT] for the unauthorized charges.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:
I have the following documentation available:
- Bank/credit card statements showing unauthorized charges
- Original contract or membership agreement
- Cancellation confirmation or request records
- Email correspondence with the company
- Notes from phone calls (dates, names, what was said)
- [ANY OTHER DOCUMENTATION: RECEIPTS, PHOTOS, ETC.]
Next Steps
- Save your FTC complaint reference number
- File a State Attorney General complaint simultaneously
- FTC doesn't resolve individual cases but tracks patterns for enforcement
Tips for Success
- Be specific with dates and amounts. Vague complaints are less useful.
- Mention ROSCA if applicable. The Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires clear disclosure.
- The FTC uses complaints to build cases. Even if you don't get personal relief, you help stop bad actors.