Econsumer.gov

What does econsumer.gov do?

econsumer.gov is an initiative of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) and is an online complaints service that allows consumers across the globe to register complaints against foreign traders about online scams and cross-border, online fraud.

An online complaints form is available on the website of econsumer.gov . The information will go to the Consumer Sentinel network which is a database of consumer complaints operated by the US Federal Trade Commission.

The incoming complaints will be shared with participating government consumer protection law enforcers from ICPEN member countries. These government agencies may use this information to investigate suspect companies and individuals, uncover new scams, and spot trends in fraud.

Individual complaints, however, may not necessarily be pursued. Any follow-up actions depend on the policies and priorities of the particular agency.

Because the internet marketplace is a borderless one, sharing complaints with government agencies in different countries helps to keep the internet safe. It may also help prevent others from experiencing similar problems.

NB: econsumer.gov is designed for internet shopping (e-commerce) complaints where the trader operates from overseas. If your complaint relates to an online trader based in Australia, you should report it directly to the ACCC (in Australia) . If your complaint is about an internet scam (from Australia or overseas), you should also consider reporting it through the “Report a scam” page on the ACCC’s SCAMwatch website (in Australia).

Other facts about econsumer

econsumer.gov also provides general information on consumer protection, online dispute resolution, current trends in e-commerce complaints and contact details for consumer protection agencies in member countries.

Currently all information is available in English, Spanish, French and German.

Background
econsumer.gov was launched in April 2001. It was developed in response to the challenges of multinational internet fraud, and to work towards enhancing consumer protection and consumer confidence in e-commerce.

Currently 17 countries are involved with econsumer.gov : Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA. This is a joint effort aimed at gathering and sharing cross-border e-commerce complaints.

econsumer.gov forms part of the work being done by the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) formerly known as IMSN.

International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN)

ICPEN is a membership organisation consisting of the trade practices law enforcement authorities from more than two dozen countries. The mandate of the Network is to share information about cross-border commercial activities that may affect consumer interests, and to encourage international cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The Network operates under a rotating presidency currently held by Finland. Australia held the presidency in 2002-3.

Not all ICPEN countries are currently involved in econsumer.gov
_________________________
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is good men to do nothing