At Ross Law, we often get calls from consumers who were ripped off, but they may not have the best civil case for a lawyer to take on. Things like phone scams, robocalls, internet scams, and scams involving people overseas are often difficult for a non-government consumer lawyer to handle. However, that does not mean they should not be reported. Additionally, even scams like auto dealer fraud, debt collection scams, door-to-door sales scams, and unlawful trade practices should be reported even if a civil lawyer is able to assist. However, you should speak with a lawyer before reporting them.
Then the issue is how do you report these consumer scams? Here is a brief list of people and organizations that may be able to assist with your consumer Fraud:
Call Ross Law at 503.224.1658: We are happy to assist with referrals or discuss whether or not we would be a good fit to assist consumers who have been ripped off or defrauded by businesses. However, keep in mind we are not a government entity and we are limited by Civil remedies that we pursue on our client’s behalf. For more information about the difference between civil and criminal remedies click here.
Report to the Oregon Department of Justice: The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has a couple of different ways to report complaints. You can call the consumer hotline at 18778779392 or you can file a complaint online. You are also able to search for past complaints against a business that operated in Oregon. Click here for more info.
Report to the CFPB & FTC: The Federal Government has the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) which is part of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The CFPB has a new website to report scams, fraud, and bad business practices. It is a user-friendly website that asks you to tell the CFPB about the scam. The FTC asserts it will use that information to investigate the scammers and hopefully bring them to justice. Click here for more information on how to make a report of fraud, scams, or unfair business practices.
Report to the Better Business Bureau: The Better Business Bureau is a private entity that focuses on consumer complaints and reviews. They are not a government entity so they have no power to enforce the law. The BBB also charges businesses to advertise with them. To search for a business or make a complaint click here.
Report to Local Law Enforcement: Some local law enforcement agencies have investigators to investigate fraud and scams.
The above list is not exhaustive. There are many other places you can report scams, fraud, and unlawful business practices, but please keep these in mind. Please remember that this blog post may be considered Attorney advertising. If you have any questions about auto dealer fraud the Oregon Lemon Law, personal injury cases, auto crash injuries, bicycle crashes, and other injury or death cases please call Portland Oregon Personal Injury and Consumer Fraud lawyer Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.