Know Your Rights: A Consumer Advocate’s Guide for Seniors , Veterans , and Everyone

You are not powerless, big phone and cable companies count on people giving up, but there are real agencies and laws on your side. This guide walks you through where to turn step-by-step when a company wrongs you 

1st Steps to Protect Yourself

Keep records of everything bills emails dates and times of calls and the names of people you spoke with.

Put you Dispute in writing and keep a copy. 

Don't pay a charge you dispute just because you're pressured to ask for it in writing first.

Who to contact and what they do the FCC the Federal Communications Commission regulates, phone, cable and internet companies directly it's the strongest avenue for billing disputes and service shut offs you file fcc.gov/complaints the FTC the federal trade commission handles unfair or deceptive business practices and scams you file at report fraud.ftc.gov

CFPB the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is best when a debt collector or financial company is involved not direct utility billing 

The BBB the Better Business Bureau not a government agency, but complaints are public and companies often respond to protect their rating.

Your state Attorney General most have a consumer protection division they investigate patterns of abuse Small Claims Court for disputed amount’s and often you don't need a lawyer check your contracts arbitration clause so so you know what you agreed to  Veterans Service Organizations many offer consumer advocacy help for vets and you're elected officials

A letter to your US Representative your Senators or the Governor's office can prompt  action 

 A Special Note on Retaliation 

If a company cuts your service or raises the pressure right after you file a complaint document the timing that can strengthen your case with regulators.

 The closing message.

Be persistant keep good records don't let them wear you down. You have rights and you have help so use them