Consumer complaints sites not all created equal

Wading through consumer complaint after consumer complaint can frustrate even the most diligent consumer. But a report just released by the Consumer Federation of America says not all consumer complaint sites are created equal, and that a good place to start searching complaints is My3Cents.com.

Although consumer complaint sites may not help frustrated consumers settle grievances with merchants, the report found, they provide a satisfying outlet for users to share their negative experiences with other shoppers, companies, consumer protection agencies and the media. Complaint sites also offer consumers a rare source of detailed information about problems other shoppers have experienced with a product or service, especially those sold by national retailers.

"The complaint websites provide a unique opportunity for consumers both to make their complaints heard and to learn about frequent problems experienced by other consumers," CFA Executive Director Stephen Brobeck, the report's author, said at a news conference. "We commend those who have created and maintain these websites."