Several federal laws protect US consumers. The Federal Trade Commission Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs product warranties. The Consumer Financial Protection Act covers financial products and services. Many states also have their own consumer protection statutes with additional protections — California, New York, and Texas, for example, have particularly strong consumer protection laws.

Depending on the type of complaint: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for financial products; the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for general consumer fraud; your state Attorney General's consumer protection office; the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for mediation; and the relevant industry regulator (e.g., your state insurance department for insurance complaints). Small claims court is also available for amounts typically up to $5,000-$10,000 depending on the state.

The FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule requires sellers to ship items within the timeframe stated, or within 30 days if no timeframe is specified. If they cannot ship on time, they must notify you and give you the option to cancel for a full refund. Violations can be reported to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Yes — referencing your option to pursue the matter in small claims court often motivates companies to resolve complaints quickly, as it signals you are serious and willing to escalate. Small claims limits vary by state, ranging from around $2,500 in some states to $25,000 in others. Court fees are low and you do not need an attorney in small claims court.