File Deceptive Ad Complaints - Detroit Consumer Law

Business and Consumer Protection Michigan 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Michigan

Detroit, Michigan consumers who see deceptive or misleading advertising have several official paths to report the conduct and seek enforcement. This guide explains the primary agencies that handle deceptive-ad complaints, what information to gather before you file, and practical steps to report locally, to the Michigan Attorney General, or to the Federal Trade Commission.

Report deceptive ads quickly and keep copies of the ad and your purchase records.

Where to File

If a business operating in Detroit ran the ad, start by contacting the seller and the business licensing office when appropriate; you can also file with the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division to request investigation or enforcement actions[1]. For deceptive advertising that crosses state lines or raises federal consumer protection concerns, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for deceptive advertising that affects Detroit consumers may come from state or federal authorities rather than a single Detroit municipal ordinance. Specific monetary fines and penalty amounts are not specified on the cited Michigan Attorney General or FTC complaint pages; enforcement typically includes injunctions, restitution, and other civil remedies as available under the applicable statutes and federal law[1][2].

State and federal agencies can seek orders and restitution rather than fixed municipal fines in many deceptive-ad cases.
  • Enforcers: Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division (state enforcement), FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection (federal enforcement).
  • Typical remedies: injunctions, civil orders requiring refunds or restitution, and court-ordered remedies; specific dollar fines are not listed on the cited complaint pages.
  • Escalation: agencies may pursue informal resolution, then formal investigation and civil litigation for repeat or serious violations; precise escalation thresholds are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: cease-and-desist orders, corrective advertising, and court injunctions.
  • Appeals and review: affected parties may challenge agency orders in court; time limits for appeals vary by statute or order and are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The Michigan Attorney General provides an online consumer complaint submission for deceptive business practices; the FTC accepts complaints at its online portal. No fee is required to submit a consumer complaint to either agency as shown on their complaint pages[1][2].

What to Include When You File

  • Copies or screenshots of the ad, including date, medium (online, TV, print), and URL if applicable.
  • Receipts, order numbers, correspondence with the seller, and dates of purchase or contact.
  • Contact details: your name, phone, email, and a concise summary of the harm or loss.
Keep originals and make dated copies of any physical advertising or packaging you received.

Action Steps

  • Contact the seller first and request a refund or correction when appropriate.
  • File a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division via its complaint portal[1].
  • If the issue involves interstate advertising or broader fraud, submit a complaint to the FTC online complaint portal[2].
  • If you received a business license or city permit issue, contact Detroit Business Licensing or 311 for local follow-up (see Resources below).

FAQ

Where should Detroit residents file deceptive-ad complaints?
File with the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for state enforcement and with the FTC for interstate or federal matters; also contact the seller and Detroit licensing or 311 for local follow-up.
What evidence is most helpful?
Provide copies/screenshots of the ad, receipts, dates, correspondence, and the seller’s contact details.
Is there a fee to file a complaint?
No fee is required to submit a consumer complaint to the Michigan Attorney General or the FTC according to their complaint pages.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: save ads, receipts, screenshots, and communications with the seller.
  2. Try to resolve with the seller: request a refund, correction, or cancellation in writing.
  3. File with the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division using their consumer complaint form[1].
  4. If interstate or large-scale fraud is suspected, file a complaint with the FTC online portal[2].
  5. Keep records of submissions and follow up with the agencies if you receive reference numbers or case updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan AG and the FTC are the primary enforcement routes for deceptive advertising affecting Detroit consumers.
  • Collect clear evidence and try seller resolution before or while filing official complaints.
  • Local Detroit offices (licensing or 311) can assist with business licensing issues and city-level follow-up.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Michigan Attorney General - Consumer Protection
  2. [2] Federal Trade Commission - File a Complaint

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