PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – The first step to solving a concern, disagreement, or dispute is to attempt to resolve the issue with the company first.
Start a paper trail: Write a complaint letter and submit with all documentation that supports your claim. This may include receipts, proof of payment, contract(s), written agreements, advertisements, photos, and/or video.
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WRITING A COMPLAINT LETTER:
Writing a complaint letter can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time writing one. We've got you covered!
SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER:
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Name of Contact Person]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Contact Person]:
On [date], I bought [or had repaired] a [name of the product with the serial or model number or service performed]. I made this purchase at [location, date, and other important details of the transaction].
Unfortunately, your product has not performed well [or the service was inadequate] because [state the problem].
To resolve the problem, I would appreciate your [state the specific action you want]. Enclosed are copies [copies, not originals] of my records [receipts, guarantees, warranties, cancelled checks, contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other documents] concerning this purchase/repair.
I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem. I will wait [set a time limit] before seeking third-party assistance. Please contact me at the above address or by phone [home or office numbers with area codes].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Account Number]
A complaint letter is important because it lets the business know you're serious. It also may help preserve any legal rights you may have in the matter.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends a few ways to make your complaint letter more effective.
· Be clear and concise. Make sure to describe the item or service you bought and why you're complaining about it. If there were any serial or model numbers involved, make sure to include them, too. Also, be sure to include the name and location of the seller, as well as information about any discussions you previously had with any representatives from the business.
· State exactly what you want done, but be sure to say how long you're willing to wait for a response. Try to be reasonable, though.
· Don't write an angry, sarcastic, and threatening letter. There's a chance the person who's going to read your letter is not the person responsible for your complaint.
· Include copies of relevant documents. This is probably the most important step. In order for someone to look into your complaint, he/she needs copies of receipts, work orders, and warranties. You should also include any copies of emails between you and the seller.
· Include your name and contact information. Although this may seem like common sense, sometimes we forget to include this information. Also, include the account number if there's an account involved.
The FTC suggests sending your letter by certified mail and requesting a return receipt so you'll have proof the company got your letter and who signed for it.
GETTING OUTSIDE HELP:
If the company does not respond to your letter consider also filing a complaint, with the necessary documentation to support your claim, to the following organizations:
The Call Christina team on Local 10 News: CallChristin@wplg.com.
Please submit your complaint letter along with related documents to support your claim. Our team reviews every email. If we think we can be of assistance a member of the Call Christina team will contact you back directly.
You will also want to reach out to the local, state, and federal regulators who correspond with the company, product or service that are the subject of your complaint.
State and Local Consumer Agencies in Florida:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida Attorney General's Office
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Complaint Affidavit
National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration Vehicle Complaint
Department of Health Complaint Form
Division of Consumer Services: Insurance Complaint
Related: Complaint Comparison Database
Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Public Service Commission Complaints
Department of Financial Services OIG
Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
U.S. Department of Labor OSHA Complaint Process
U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Complaints
U.S. Department of Labor: How To File A Complaint
Miami-Dade County File a Consumer Complaint
Miami-Dade County Contractor Complaint Form
Miami-Dade County File Contractor Complaints
Miami-Dade County Wage Theft Program
Broward County Consumer Complaint Form
Broward County Contractor / Tree Trimmer Complaint Form
CALL CHRISTINA coverage on hot topic consumer issues:
The Call Christina team responds to calls into the hotline. Here is a snapshot of some of the topics people tend to call about the most and the consumer protection information we have provided on each issue.
What you should know before hiring a contractor
Call Christina team offers consumer protection tips for contractor fraud
Understanding Florida's 'lemon law'
Mortgage relief scams: the red flags to spot in home loan modification industry
Signs 'debt collector' is scamming you
Want to stop robocalls? There's an app for that
Get big money from companies conducting unsolicited phone calls
What to know about buying new, used vehicles
Buying a used car? Run a title search
Simple ways to find unfixed recalls on used vehicles
Impact window warranty: what's covered and what's not
Telephone Consumer Protection Act
Can residents in deplorable conditions withhold rent?
Bad advice about paying for college
CFPB study finds forced arbitration may harm consumers
5 things Floridians need to know not to get ripped off
What consumers should know about debt collections
Local 10 News viewer avoids falling victim to IRS tax scam
Scammers claim to be IRS to steal money, personal information
Beware of rising online rental listing scams
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
How to Protect Yourself: Buying a Used Car
Understanding Florida's Lemon Law
FCC Consumer Help Center: Know Your Rights: The Rules on Robocalls and Robotexts
Links to legal services:
How do I find a private attorney?
Legal Services of Greater Miami
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Small Claims Court Information:
Dade County Promo Bono: Small Claims Court Clinics
Miami-Dade County Small Claims Court:
http://www.miami-dadeclerk.com/property_small_claims.asp
https://www.miamidade.gov/business/library/instructions/claims-court-english.pdf
http://www.lsgmi.org/downloads/Small-Claims-Court.pdf
Broward County Small Claims Court
A Call Christina conversation with Judge David Young about getting through small claims court
Coping with Debt:
FTC: Coping and Dealing with Debt
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/dealing-debt
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0150-coping-debt
HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues.
Avoiding Foreclosure: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Reserve: Resources for Consumers
Coping with debt when you're laid off
Affordable Prescriptions:
The US Department of Health and Human Services "RxHope" Program: Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) are designed to support low income US residents with free or low cost prescriptions. The programs usually cover brand name drugs only and are administered individually by the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the drugs.
Medicare.gov "Pharmaceutical Assistance Program." Some pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs for the drugs they manufacture.