Where Do I Report Illegal Debt Settlement Marketing?

Question:

Dear Steve,

If you notice a debt settlement company marketing illegal savings claims, misrepresenting their services or other questionable practices and they are advertising nationally, what state regulators do you find would be most interested in the information?

Ella

Answer:

Dear Ella,

Typically the logical place to start on a state basis is the office of the Attorney General.

You can find your state attorney general here.

Don’t be surprised if your complaint doesn’t go anywhere fast. Every state and federal regulation entity has to make decisions about how they allocate resources and budget. They may have bigger issues they are dealing with.

However, every concern from a consumer creates a pattern that can elevate particular issues. This is why reporting issues to the FTC and CFPB is important as well.

If you received marketing material in the mail, the USPS Postal Inspector seems to take these things seriously as well.

Steve Rhode Debt Coach and Author

Steve Rhode is the Get Out of Debt Guy and has been helping good people with bad debt problems since 1994. You can learn more about Steve, here.

See Full Bio

Consumer Debt Consumer Bankruptcy How to Get out of Debt Money Troubles Money Personalities Budgeting Behavioral Economics Motivation Inspiration Money Management The History of Credit and Debt Getting Out of Debt Get Out of Debt Debt Settlement Credit Counseling Loan & Debt Relief Scams Debt Relief Industry Practices Exposing Deceptive Financial Services Helping Consumers Navigate Financial Hardship Consumer Advocacy Consumer Debt Expert Consumer Protection Debt Relief Scam Student Loan Bankruptcy Debt Validation Debt and Mental Health Student Loans Debt Consolidation Debt in the Military