How to File an FTC Complaint (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)
A complete walkthrough of filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. When to file, what information you need, and what happens after.
When to File an FTC Complaint
File an FTC complaint when a company uses deceptive practices, refuses lawful cancellation, charges without consent, or violates the Click-to-Cancel Rule. The FTC can't resolve individual disputes but tracks patterns for enforcement.
Step 1: Gather Your Evidence
Before filing, collect: 1) Company name and website, 2) Dates and amounts of charges, 3) Screenshots of cancellation attempts, 4) Copies of emails and chat transcripts, 5) Your account number or email.
Step 2: Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov
Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov (the FTC's official complaint form). Select the category that best matches your issue. For subscription traps, choose "Internet Services, Online Shopping, or Computers."
Step 3: Describe the Problem
Be specific: "I attempted to cancel my [Service] subscription on [date] through their website. The company has no visible cancel button, forcing me to call. When I called, I was subjected to three retention offers before being allowed to cancel."
Step 4: Submit and Save Confirmation
After submission, save your confirmation number. The FTC won't contact you about resolution, but your complaint goes into the Consumer Sentinel database used by law enforcement nationwide.
What Happens Next
The FTC aggregates complaints. When a company receives enough complaints, the FTC may investigate. Recent examples: Noom ($62M settlement), BetterHelp ($7.8M), Avast ($16.5M). Your complaint matters.
Parallel Actions
While waiting, also file with: your state attorney general, the BBB, and consider a credit card chargeback. Use Dispute Gremlin's free templates to send a formal dispute letter citing the FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule.
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