At consumer complaint sites, consumers who have had a bad experience with a company can voice their issues in hopes of informing others of their experience. When issues are of a legal nature, in that the company has violated certain consumer laws, consumer complaint websites administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state/local consumer protection agencies allow for action to be taken against the wrongful party. When a complaint is filed with either the FTC or state agencies, investigation is the first step that occurs. If the issue is very significant, a consumer protection agency may even take legal action, though not on the behalf of the individual, enforcing the consumer law by threatening and then actually proceeding with a lawsuit, if necessary. As a consumer, your rights should not be taken for granted, and the law provides you with a range of rights. Even if the complaint is not of widespread concern, the consumer protection agency may be able to conduct mediation and arbitration, which allows the guilty party to right their wrongs prior to a lawsuit. If this step is unsuccessful, the consumer will receive guidance regarding the necessary procedures to sue the guilty party in district court.