Write It Up

So, you have a consumer problem and you want to know how to complain effectively about it. Well, you have come to the right place! This page is here to help you fix the problem, or if you cannot, to tell the right people about it. There are three steps to complaining -

Something has gone wrong. What should I say to the company
Talking did not work. I want to write a letter. Where do I send it
The company has not made good, where can I get help

Confused Check out the Frequently Asked Questions!

If your have additions, corrections, or comments for this site, please contact Please note that NACAA does not pursue consumer complaints, but is an organization of agencies that may do so. Please file your complaint with the agency in your area.

Credit Card Machines

Ever wonder how credit card machines work and what happens when you swipe your credit card when buying something?

This is how a credit card machine works.

First the credit card machine reads magnetic strip on the back of your debit or credit card.
Next, the credit card machine transmits the transaction to the bank network with complete transaction information.
The amount of the transaction, the customer's information and the merchant ID data goes to the credit card processor.
In just a few seconds, the financial data is processed by the credit card network and a verification (or denial) is returned to the merchant's credit card terminal.

This fast, electronic process provides consumer protection for all parties. The merchant verifies that there are funds available and that the debit or credit card is not stolen. Consumers are protected since any stolen credit cards won't be processed fraudulently.

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