Chapter 20

Appendix C: Legal Resources by Region

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United States - Federal

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) - Website: ftc.gov/complaint - Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP - Handles: Deceptive practices, difficult cancellations

CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) - Website: consumerfinance.gov/complaint - Phone: 1-855-411-2372 - Handles: Financial services, billing disputes

State-Specific (Examples)

California - Law: Automatic renewal law (ARL) - Requires: Easy online cancellation if signup was online - Agency: California Attorney General

New York - Law: Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act - Prohibits: Cancellation fees for most services - Agency: NY Attorney General

Illinois - Law: Automatic Contract Renewal Act - Requires: Clear disclosure, easy cancellation - Agency: Illinois Attorney General

International

European Union - Law: Consumer Rights Directive - Rights: 14-day cooling off period, easy cancellation - Agency: European Consumer Centre

United Kingdom - Law: Consumer Contracts Regulations - Rights: Clear information, fair cancellation - Agency: Citizens Advice

Canada - Law: Various provincial consumer protection acts - Rights: Vary by province - Agency: Competition Bureau Canada

Australia - Law: Australian Consumer Law - Rights: Protection against unfair contract terms - Agency: ACCC

Key Legal Phrases to Use

"This violates [specific law] requiring simple cancellation methods."

"I'm documenting this interaction for a regulatory complaint."

"Your retention practices may constitute an unfair business practice under [law]."

"I know my rights under [specific regulation] and will enforce them."

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