File a Consumer Scam Complaint - Raleigh Guide

Business and Consumer Protection North Carolina 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Raleigh, North Carolina, consumers who suspect scams or fraud have defined routes to report, seek restitution, and trigger enforcement. This guide explains where to file complaints, what evidence to collect, which municipal and state agencies handle consumer fraud, and what to expect from investigations and appeals. Follow the steps below to preserve records, notify law enforcement, and submit an official complaint to state and federal consumer protection offices.

Keep receipts, screenshots, and contact records as evidence before filing.

What to report

  • Fraudulent offers, prize or sweepstakes scams, romance scams, and impersonation of government or company representatives.
  • Unauthorised charges, identity theft, fake businesses or fraudulent contractors.
  • Misleading advertising or failure to provide paid goods or services.

How to file a complaint

  • For criminal fraud or when you are threatened, call Raleigh Police or 911 for emergencies; for non-emergencies file a police report online or by contacting Raleigh Police dispatch.[3]
  • File a consumer complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Division using their online complaint form; include documentation and chronology of events.[1]
  • Report interstate or internet scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; federal reports help detect patterns and support investigations.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for consumer scams affecting Raleigh residents may involve municipal police for criminal matters, the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division for civil enforcement, and federal agencies for interstate fraud. Specific civil fine amounts and statutory penalties for consumer scams are not specified on the cited agency pages; see the agencies listed below for case handling and remedies.[1][2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for routine consumer complaint procedures; civil or criminal penalties, if imposed, follow statutory law or prosecutorial discretion.
  • Escalation: complaints may start as administrative investigations and escalate to civil enforcement or criminal prosecution for repeat or serious offenses; specific ranges for first/repeat/continuing offences are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease deceptive practices, restitution to victims, injunctions, and referral to criminal prosecutors are possible outcomes.
  • Enforcer and inspection: Raleigh Police handle criminal investigations and referrals; the NC Department of Justice handles civil consumer enforcement; federal agencies handle interstate scams.
  • Complaint pathways: file a police report with Raleigh Police for criminal matters, submit the NC DOJ online complaint for state review, and report to the FTC for federal tracking and referrals.[3]
  • Appeal/review: civil enforcement decisions and refusals to act may be subject to agency review or civil suit; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited complaint pages.
  • Defences/discretion: agencies exercise prosecutorial and enforcement discretion; licensed businesses may seek permits, bonds, or administrative hearings where applicable.
If you face immediate financial loss or threats, contact local police first.

Applications & Forms

  • NC DOJ Consumer Complaint form: submit the online complaint on the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection page; the form collects contact information, a description, and supporting documents.[1]
  • Raleigh Police online reporting: Raleigh provides online reporting for certain frauds and guidance on filing a police report; there is no fee to file a report with police unless specified by a special service.
  • Deadlines: specific statutory filing deadlines for consumer complaints are not specified on the cited complaint pages; preserve evidence and file promptly to support investigations.

Action steps

  • Gather evidence: save emails, screenshots, receipts, contracts, and payment records.
  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute unauthorized charges.
  • File a police report for crimes; request a copy of the report for other agencies and your records.[3]
  • Submit an NC DOJ consumer complaint online and attach supporting documents.[1]
  • Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help federal pattern detection and referrals.[2]
Act quickly to freeze accounts and collect proof for better enforcement outcomes.

FAQ

Who investigates consumer scams reported in Raleigh?
The Raleigh Police investigate criminal fraud; the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division reviews civil complaints; the FTC tracks and refers interstate scams.
Do I have to pay to file a complaint?
No, filing a complaint with Raleigh Police, the NC DOJ online form, or the FTC report site has no filing fee; note that private legal actions may involve costs.
What evidence should I include with a complaint?
Include transaction records, communications, screenshots, receipts, contracts, and names or contact details of the other party.

How-To

  1. Collect and organize all evidence: dates, amounts, screenshots, correspondence, and account statements.
  2. If you are threatened or the loss is ongoing, contact Raleigh Police and file a police report.[3]
  3. Submit a detailed complaint to the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division online and attach documents.[1]
  4. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help federal detection and referrals.[2]
  5. Follow up: request status updates from agencies, keep a record of case numbers, and consider private counsel for civil recovery if necessary.
Keep copies of every submission and note the date you filed complaints.

Key Takeaways

  • Preserve evidence and file promptly with police and the NC DOJ.
  • Use official complaint forms and attach supporting documents.
  • Criminal and civil tracks are separate; pursue both where appropriate.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] North Carolina Department of Justice - Consumer Protection Division
  2. [2] Federal Trade Commission - ReportFraud
  3. [3] City of Raleigh - Police services and reporting

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