Your item from an overseas online store hasn't arrived. You've received a sales pitch in English.
History's lessons for today's decisions ／ Where to Go for Help
Where to get help when in trouble (United States, United Kingdom, European Union)
Who to contact in case of a dispute with an overseas seller or when receiving a solicitation in English.
A 3-Minute Guide to Getting Help Abroad
1See it
Swipe to see more
First, make sure you've contacted the other party.
Keep a record of the dates and what was said.
In the U.S., the FTC has outlined four signs of a scam.
In the U.S., send complaints about financial products to the CFPB.
15 days
Most companies will respond within 15 days. A final response should come within 60 days.
Supporting documents are limited to 50 pages. You usually can't submit the same issue a second time.
In the U.K., call Report Fraud at 0300 123 2040.
If you live in Scotland, call 101.
In the European Union, contact the ECC in your country of residence. It's free.
29 centers, 24 languages.
They helped over 125,000 people in 2023.
If you live in Japan, your starting point is 188.
2In numbers
15days
The number of days for most companies to respond to a CFPB complaint.
29centers
The ECC network. 24 languages, 150 legal experts, and it's free.
3What would you do?
The item I bought from an overseas online store hasn't arrived. What should I do first?
Pick one
Immediately file a complaint with a public agency.
The agency will first ask, 'Have you contacted the other party?' You should first contact the seller and keep a record of the dates and what was said.
Contact the seller and keep a record of your communications.
That's right. After that, your next step is the CFPB in the U.S., or the ECC in your country of residence in the E.U. If you live in Japan, it's 188.
The agency will record your case and guide you on the next steps. They don't resolve the issue for you.
4Read more
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
- 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.
- 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.
- UK: Report Fraud 0300 123 2040Scotland is 101. After reporting, they provide guidance on prevention and support.
- European Union: The ECC in your country of residenceDisputes with sellers from other countries. 29 centers, 24 languages, free of charge.
- 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."
Bibliography
- 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 Lectures and Notes
P9 P1 Where to get help when in trouble — Overseas (the approach is the same)
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