Map of contacts (U.S., UK, European Union)

When to use　Items not delivered from an overseas online store. Investment solicitations in English. Contracts signed while traveling.

Common principles, national entry points

In any country, the contact for reporting and complaints will first ask if you have contacted the party involved, keep a record, and guide you on the next steps. They do not resolve the issue themselves. The following information was read on the respective organizations' pages in September 2026.

United States

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) summarizes four signs of a scam: pretending to be a known organization, a problem or a prize, pressure to act immediately, and a specific payment method. Complaints about financial products or accounts are submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The complaint is sent to the company, and most companies respond within 15 days; if in progress, the final response is within 60 days. Include the most important dates, amounts, interactions, and supporting documents (up to 50 pages). A second complaint about the same issue cannot usually be submitted.

United Kingdom

The reporting point for cybercrime and fraud is Report Fraud, formerly known as Action Fraud. The phone number is 0300 123 2040, and it covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. People living in Scotland should report to 101.

European Union

In case of a dispute with a seller from another member state (or Norway/Iceland), contact the European Consumer Centre (ECC) in your country of residence. The network has 29 centers, 150 legal experts, operates in 24 languages, and is free of charge. According to the European Commission's page, it assisted over 125,000 people in 2023.

Procedure

1. Confirm if you have contacted the party (seller/company)The U.S. CFPB asks this before a complaint. Keep a record of the date and content of interactions.
2. U.S.: Fraud to the FTC, financial product complaints to the CFPBThe CFPB sends it to the company; most respond within 15 days. Supporting documents up to 50 pages.
3. UK: Report Fraud 0300 123 2040Scotland is 101. After reporting, they provide guidance on prevention and support.
4. European Union: The ECC in your country of residenceDisputes with sellers from other countries. 29 centers, 24 languages, free of charge.
5. If you live in Japan, the entry point is the Consumer Hotline 188.Guides you to the nearest consumer affairs center (to the Japanese practical skills section).

In other countries

The systems differ by country, but the principles are common. The entry point is the contact in your own country of residence, not the other party's country. The ECC-Net stipulates, "contact the ECC in your country of residence."

Source (Archive)

• How To Avoid a ScamFederal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Advice
• Submit a complaintConsumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud (Report Fraud)Report Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (UK. Formerly Action Fraud)
• European Consumer Centres Network — Consumer protection, free legal help and adviceEuropean Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net)
• European Consumer Centres Network - ECC NetEuropean Commission
• Consumer HotlineConsumer Affairs Agency

Related Subjects and Practical Skills

P9　P1　Map of contacts — International (principles are the same)