Consumer Rights & Actions
Your rights in plain English — plus the state offices that enforce them.
Your rights
You are protected against unfair and deceptive practices
The FTC Act §5 prohibits businesses from misleading you about giveaways, prizes, subscriptions, or fees. If a promotion misrepresents odds, prizes, or requirements, it may be an actionable UDAP violation.
You never have to pay to claim a prize
A promotion that requires payment to enter or to receive a prize is an illegal lottery in almost every U.S. state. Legitimate sweepstakes always publish a free entry method (AMOE) with equal odds.
High-value giveaways may require state registration
New York and Florida require sweepstakes with prize pools over $5,000 to be registered and often bonded before running. Rhode Island requires registration over $500 for retail sweepstakes.
Sponsored posts must be disclosed
The FTC's Endorsement Guides require creators to use clear #ad or #sponsored disclosures on paid partnerships. Buried, off-screen, or ambiguous disclosures are non-compliant.
Marketing emails must obey CAN-SPAM
Every commercial email must include a physical mailing address, a working one-click unsubscribe, accurate headers, and honest subject lines. Violations carry up to $50,120 per email.
Children under 13 have extra protection (COPPA)
Sites and promotions that knowingly collect personal info from children under 13 must obtain verifiable parental consent. Age-gate before collecting emails, DMs, or shipping addresses.
Digital experiences must be accessible (ADA / WCAG)
Websites, promotion landing pages, and mobile apps must be usable by people with disabilities. WCAG 2.1 AA is the widely-accepted standard for compliance.
Winners must be selected fairly
Sweepstakes must draw winners using a random, verifiable method disclosed in the official rules. Contests must judge on published, objective criteria.
You can file a complaint
State consumer-protection offices investigate scams and unfulfilled prizes. Your report becomes evidence that regulators use to open cases.
How to file a complaint
Save the evidence
Screenshot the original giveaway post, the DMs, any receipts, and any requests for payment. Note dates and handles.
Find your state agency
Use the directory below to locate your state's consumer-protection office. Use the state where you live, not where the brand is based.
File the complaint
Most agencies accept complaints online. Attach your evidence and include the brand's handle, website, and any real names or business names you know.
Also report to the FTC
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. FTC complaints feed the nationwide Consumer Sentinel Network used by law enforcement.
State consumer-protection directory
Contact the office where you live.
Also file with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps regulators build cases against repeat offenders.