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Protecting Yourself when Ordering by Mail, Telephone, or Computer

This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers | Last reviewed March 26, 2008

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The Federal Trade Commission Mail or Telephone Order Rule covers goods ordered by mail, telephone, computer, and fax machine. Here's some advice:

  • The FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more that are made in your home or at a location that is not the permanent place of business or local address of the seller.
  • If you receive an item in the mail you did not order, federal law states you can consider the item as a gift.
  • If you have a problem with a company, try to resolve it with the company before contacting a third party. Make sure you act quickly. Some companies may not accept responsibility if you fail to complain within a certain period of time.
  • Send the company a letter of complaint. A letter puts your complaint on record and lets the company know you are serious about the dispute.

Source: Federal Trade Commission. To contact the nearest office:

FTC Regional Office
100 N. Central Expressway, Suite 500
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 767-5501
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