Consumer Privacy & Data Protection Complaints

Need to report a consumer privacy or data protection concern? There are several organizations and resources available to investigate and address complaints. View the organizations below to decide which ones are best for reporting your particular complaint.

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The North Carolina Department of Justice works to prevent crime and support law enforcement, to safeguard consumers, and to defend the state, its people, and their constitutional rights.

How to Report a Privacy Complaint

Privacy complaints should be reported to the N.C. Department of Justice using the consumer complaint form or by calling (877)-5-NO-SCAM.

Resources from the N.C. Department of Justice

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop and avoid them.

How to Report a Privacy Complaint

If you suspect fraud, a scam or bad business practice, file a complaint online with the FTC, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Other Resources from the FTC

More About the FTC

The FTC also has authority to enforce a variety of sector specific laws, including the Truth in Lending Act, the CAN-SPAM Act, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act.

This broad authority allows the Commission to address a wide array of practices affecting consumers, including those that emerge with the development of new technologies and business models. Learn how the FTC protects consumer privacy and promotes data security.

The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in the United States. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.

How to Report a Privacy Complaint

Find out how to report privacy consumer complaints to the FCC about your phone and internet service providers.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau implements and enforces federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent and competitive.

How to Report a Privacy Complaint

Submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about financial matters, such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, debt collection, mortgages and many types of loans.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights enforces federal civil rights laws, conscience and religious freedom laws, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules. and the Patient Safety Act and Rule.

How to Report a Privacy Complaint

Report a complaint to the Office for Civil Rights if you believe that a covered entity has violated your civil rights (based on race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex), committed a violation of conscience or religious freedom or a violation of privacy or security of health information.

Telehealth & the Privacy & Security of Protected Health Information

Resource documents to help explain the privacy and security risks to protected health information and how to reduce risks when using telehealth services.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office is responsible for administering and enforcing federal laws related to the privacy of students’ education records and for providing technical assistance on student privacy issues for the broader education community.

How to Report a Privacy Complaint

Learn how to file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

The Consumer Federation of America is an association of nonprofit consumer organizations that works to advance consumer interest through research, advocacy and education.

The CFA does not handle consumer complaints, but does offer on its website guidance and resources, including the Consumer Action Handbook, a free resource that provides general information on shopping for goods and services as well as tips about consumer rights.

 

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