how are consumer complaints handled by the attorney general

The Attorney General, through the Bureau of Consumer Protection, provides a mediation service to consumers where an attempt may be made to mediate your individual consumer complaint if it falls within the jurisdiction of the office.

Full Answer

When should I file a consumer complaint?

Complaints filed with the Consumer Protection Division are potentially an open record. This means any member of the public may file an open records request and view your complaint. What We Can Do. Receive consumer complaints and review them to identify illegal activity; File civil lawsuits acting in the public interest

How to file a consumer complaint?

Filing a Consumer Complaint. You can file a consumer complaint with the Indiana Attorney General's Office online or by filling out a printable form. You can also request a complaint form by calling 1.800.382.5516 or 317.232.6330. For price gouging complaints please submit any photo documentation you have of price signage with your complaint.

Who can file a consumer complaint?

The Attorney General, through the Bureau of Consumer Protection, provides a mediation service to consumers where an attempt may be made to mediate your individual consumer complaint if it falls within the jurisdiction of the office.

Where to file a consumer complaint?

Consumer Protection Division Consumer hotline: (410) 528-8662 En español 410-230-1712 Attorney General's Main Switchboard, Toll-free 1-888-743-0023 FAX: 410-576-7040 If you are a Maryland consumer and have a dispute with a business, or if you live in another state and your dispute involves a transaction that occurred in Maryland, you can file a complaint with the …

What are the steps for consumer complaints?

Stay Calm. It might be extremely difficult to do, you must stay calm when handling a customer complaint. ... Listen. Frequently, if a customer comes to you with a problem, it means that they want to be heard. ... Be Kind. ... Acknowledge the Issue. ... Apologize and Thank Them. ... Ask Questions. ... Make It Speedy. ... Document Their Responses.More items...•Jan 19, 2021

Which agency handles specific complaints and will help you resolve your consumer complaints?

Department of Consumer Affairs. File a complaint online at www.dca.ca.gov or call 800.952. 5210 to have a complaint form mailed to you.

How do I file a consumer complaint with the PA Attorney General?

WHEN SHOULD YOU FILE A COMPLAINT You can download a complaint form from our website at www.attorneygeneral.gov or you can call our toll-free number, 1.800. 441.2555, to have a form mailed to you.

What should a consumer do if he she has a complaint?

Customer complaint checklistAcknowledge the complaint.Inform the customer that you are taking action.Record and categorize the customer complaint.Resolve the complaint according to company policy.Follow up with the customer to make sure they are satisfied.May 4, 2021

Who should you first contact with a consumer complaint?

Start your complaint with the seller or manufacturer. If they don't help, seek help from your local government or a consumer organization.Mar 16, 2022

What are the 8 basic rights of the consumers?

The eight consumer rights are: The right to satisfaction of basic needs – to have access to basic, essential goods and services such as adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public utilities, water and sanitation.

How do I file a complaint with the attorney general's office?

If you cannot complete the form online or need additional assistance with where to direct your complaint, please call our OAG Help Line at (800) 771-7755. Filing a false complaint is punishable as a Class A Misdemeanor. We need complaints in writing.

How do I file a complaint against a business in PA?

You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-717-783-4854 (if you are calling from outside Pennsylvania).

Who protect consumer rights?

Federal consumer protection laws are mainly enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

What are the 8 methods used to resolve a customer complaint?

8 Steps to Squash a Customer's ComplaintListen. Whenever you set out to handle a customer complaint the first thing that you must do is listen. ... Understand. Article continues after video. ... Elevate. ... No Fighting. ... Resolution. ... Resolve. ... Writing. ... Learn.Mar 13, 2012

How do you handle customers?

10 Tips for Dealing with Customers10 Tips for Dealing with Customers.Listen to Customers. Sometimes, customers just need to know that you're listening. ... Apologize. When something goes wrong, apologize. ... Take Them Seriously. ... Stay Calm. ... Identify and Anticipate Needs. ... Suggest Solutions. ... Appreciate the Power of “Yes”More items...

How do you handle irate customers?

10 ways to handle angry customers (and make them happy)Listen.Apologise to difficult customers.Handle angry customers by showing empathy.Maintain a calm tone of voice.Use the customer's name.Build and maintain trust.Don't take difficult customers personally.Handle angry customers using positive language.More items...•Jan 30, 2022

Your Information

By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communications from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Complaint Information

Please explain your complaint: Try to be brief, but be sure to tell WHAT happened, WHEN it happened and WHERE it happened. Be specific about any oral statements the business made to you, ESPECIALLY those that influenced you to deal with the company, including how you heard about the company. Describe events in the order in which they happened.

How to file a complaint against a state?

To file a complaint, visit your state's Attorney General's website, locate the online complaint form, fill it out and attach the necessary documents, and then mail it to the Attorney General's office address. Each state designates an agency to handle consumer complaints of fraud, deception, or unfair business practices.

How to find consumer protection?

Type the name of your state and “consumer protection” into a search engine. The attorney general’s website for your state should come up near the top of the search results. If you are taken to the attorney general’s main page, look for a link for “consumer protection.”. Click on it.

How to contact a company about a product?

Send the business necessary information. 1 Your name, physical and email address, and phone number. 2 The product or service, including the brand name, model and serial number. 3 The problem with the product or service, in as much detail as possible.

What to do if you have been victim of fraud?

If you have been the victim of fraud or deception, you should file a complaint with the attorney general . A complaint is a formal written document filed by a party seeking legal relief by outlining the allegations, details, remedies, and parties involved. The process for filing includes gathering paperwork, contacting various involved parties, ...

Spotlight Content

The Consumer Protection, Child Support, and Health Care Fraud Divisions of the Attorney General's office help consumers each year by mediating complaints that fall within our jurisdiction.

File a Complaint

We are currently experiencing a high volume of complaints, we are asking for your patience as we navigate through this unprecedented time. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

How to file a complaint against a manufacturer?

Start your complaint with the seller or manufacturer. If they don't help, seek help from your local government or a consumer organization. Use these steps to get started. Open All +. 1. Collect Your Documents. Gather your records: sales receipts, warranties, contracts, or work orders.

What to do if seller doesn't resolve issue?

If the seller doesn't resolve the issue, a government office or a consumer organization may be able to help: File a complaint with your local consumer protection office or the state agency that regulates the company. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem.

What does the BBB do?

The BBB tries to resolve your complaints against companies. Some federal agencies accept complaints about companies, but may not resolve your problem. They use complaints to help them investigate fraud. Contact econsumer.gov. if you are complaining about items you bought online, from a seller outside the U.S.

What to do if your credit card doesn't work?

Your state attorney general. Econsumer.gov, if your purchase was with a foreign retailer. If you made the purchase using your credit card, dispute the charge with your credit card company.