how do i view consumer complaint records from the attorney general of texas

by Noemie Reilly 8 min read

Complaint data compiled by TDI is available on the Texas.gov’s Open Data Portal. The portal allows users to view, sort, filter, create charts and graphs (“visualize”), and export. Insurance complaints: All data

If you need assistance with the form, please call the Open Government Hotline at (512) 478-OPEN (6736) or toll-free at (877) OPEN TEX (673-6839).

Full Answer

How do I file a consumer protection complaint in Texas?

File a Complaint by Mail If you don't want to file online, you can download, print, and mail in your complaint form. Printable Complaint Form - English (PDF) Printable Complaint Form - Spanish (PDF) Send the form to: Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division PO Box 12548 Austin, TX 78711-2548

Are consumer complaints open to the public?

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

Is a complaint an open record?

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. Upon filing your complaint, the Consumer Protection Division will review it.

What information do I need to file a complaint?

The name of the business or individual you're filing a complaint against How you may have attempted to resolve the dispute, including the names of people you spoke with Note: You can also attach supporting documents when filling out the online complaint form. Complaints filed with the Consumer Protection Division are potentially an open record.

What do you do when you are sued?

Is a complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Division open?

Does filing a complaint mean we represent you?

About this website

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Which office is responsible for consumer protection in the state of Texas?

the Office of the Attorney GeneralThe primary tool the Office of the Attorney General uses to protect Texas consumers is the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). This law lists many practices that are false, deceptive, or misleading. When you fall victim to illegal practices covered by the DTPA, you may have the right to sue for damages under the act.

How do I file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General?

File a ComplaintConsumer Protection Complaints. Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 621-0508. ... Sanctuary Complaints. Sanctuary Complaints Hotline: (844) 584-3006. ... Handgun License Holder Complaints. Handgun License Holder Complaints Hotline: (844) 584-3006. ... Charitable Trusts Complaints. File a Complaint.

How do I contact the Texas Attorney General?

Attorney General, Office of the(512) 463-2100.Crime Victims: (800) 983-9933.Consumer Protection: (800) 621-0508.Toll Free: (800) 252-8011.Child Support Enforcement: (800) 252-8014.Open Government Hotline: (877) 673-6839.Press Office: (512) 463-2050.(512) 475-2994.More items...

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

If the business will not resolve a problem directly, you can file a complaint online with the Texas Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau, or the Federal Trade Commission. Many industries and professions are licensed and regulated.

Does filing a complaint with the FTC do anything?

The FTC cannot resolve individual complaints, but it can provide information about what steps to take. The FTC says that complaints can help it and its law enforcement partners detect patterns of fraud and abuse, which may lead to investigations and stopping unfair business practices.

What does the US Attorney General investigate?

The Attorney General's responsibilities include safeguarding Californians from harm and promoting community safety, preserving California's spectacular natural resources, enforcing civil rights laws, and helping victims of identity theft, mortgage-related fraud, illegal business practices, and other consumer crimes.

What does TX Attorney General do?

Defending the State of Texas and its duly enacted laws by providing legal representation to the State, its officials and agencies, rendering legal opinions, reviewing bonds of public security, and ensuring compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.

Why would I get a letter from the Office of the Attorney General?

A target letter is commonly used in white collar cases and it is a way for the federal government to notify you that you are a target of a criminal investigation. A target is defined by the United States Attorney's Office as someone against whom there is substantial evidence.

What is the role of Attorney General for the State of Texas?

The main responsibilities of the Office of the Attorney General are defending the State of Texas and its duly elected laws by providing legal representation to the State, serving the children of Texas through the enforcement of the state's child support laws, securing justice for Texans, protecting Texans from waste, ...

What are the 8 basic right of a consumer?

These rights are: the right to equality in the consumer market; privacy; choice; disclosure and information; fair and responsible marketing; fair and honest dealing; fair, just and reasonable terms and conditions; and fair value, good quality and safety.

What must a consumer prove in a DTPA lawsuit?

The causation standard that a DTPA consumer must prove is that the representations were a “producing cause” of their injuries. Additionally, the DTPA defendant's actions must be “in connection with” the transaction.

Does Texas have a consumer protection agency?

We protect Texas consumers by accepting complaints, filing civil cases in the public interest and educating Texans on how to spot and avoid possible scams.

What should be included in a complaints?

What Must A Complainant Include?Written complaint setting forth the reasons the person believes the charges are excessive.A copy of the original request for information.A copy of any correspondence from the governmental body stating the proposed charges.

How do you file a complaint against someone?

You may file a complaint with the prosecutor's office directly. You may also file the complaint with the police, and then the police will be the one to endorse your case to the prosecutor's office after investigation.

How do I contact ombudsman Texas?

Contact UsIf you still can't get it resolved, call 877-787-8999 or complete our online form .You can also send a fax to 888-780-8099 or write to: HHS Office of the Ombudsman. P.O. Box 13247. Austin, Texas 78711-3247.

Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Texas?

You can submit a complaint online, or you can call their office at (512) 463-2642 or toll-free (Texas only) at (888) 452-4778.

File a Complaint | Office of the Attorney General

Report a local government or institution of higher education that has adopted or enforced a policy that prohibits enforcement of immigration law in violation of Senate Bill 4, enacted by the 85th Texas Legislature.

KEN PAXTON Attorney General of Texas Consumer Complaint Form

KEN PAXTON Attorney General of Texas Consumer Complaint Form File#: • The information you report on this form will be used to help us investigate violations of consumer laws. • The Attorney General’s Office does not resolve individual consumer complaints. • This complaint and the information you provide are records open to the public under Texas Law.

Complaints | TxDMV.gov

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How Are Complaints Resolved?

After receiving a governmental body’s response, the ORD will make a determination as to the appropriate charges .

What Happens After A Complaint is Filed and How Must a Governmental Body Respond?

If the governmental body receives questions related to a cost complaint, then the PIA requires a governmental body to respond within ten business days.

When is an informal complaint filed?

An informal complaint may be filed when a requestor believes a governmental body has not properly responded to a request for information or complied with an ORD ruling.

What is a written complaint?

Written complaint setting forth the reasons the person believes the charges are excessive. A copy of the original request for information. A copy of any correspondence from the governmental body stating the proposed charges. Informal Complaint.

How long does it take for a government to respond to a complaint?

If the governmental body receives correspondence related to a complaint, then the governmental body should respond within ten business days. The governmental body should explain how it has complied with the Act. A form may be provided to assist the governmental body’s response.

What is the Attorney General's job in Texas?

The Attorney General is responsible for ensuring that Texas government is open and accessible to all citizens. Part of this responsibility includes interpreting and enforcing the Public Information Act (PIA).

What is the phone number for the Open Government?

If you have questions about complaints, you may call the Open Government Hotline toll free at (877) 673-6839 (877-OPENTEX).

What happens if a complaint is not received by TDLR?

If the information you provide in your complaint does not contain enough information for TDLR to determine that a violation may have occurred, TDLR will first seek additional information from you (if you did not file anonymously). If TDLR does not receive enough information following that request, your complaint may not be opened for investigation.

How does an investigator interview a complainant?

As a standard practice, the investigator will interview the complainant, the respondent, and any pertinent witnesses, by telephone or in person. The investigator will also gather copies of any documents relevant to the case. If necessary, the investigator may conduct an on-site investigation of the respondent's place of business or the location where the alleged violation occurred. After the investigation is complete, the investigator submits a detailed report of the facts to a prosecuting attorney. The attorney then proceeds as described below to determine the appropriate resolution of the case.

What are intake and investigation procedures?

The intake and investigation procedures described above are the standard procedures that are applied to complaints from consumers and the public, i .e. any person from outside the agency. The Enforcement Division also receives a large volume of complaints from TDLR staff, known as "Department complaints." Some Department complaints are processed according to the standard procedures described above. However, for some categories of Department complaints specialized and abbreviated procedures have been created. These specialized procedures vary from one statute to another, but generally they are designed to eliminate unnecessary steps and bring the complaint to resolution more quickly.

What is a NOAV in Texas?

To proceed with formal enforcement action, the prosecutor issues a Notice of Alleged Violation (NOAV) seeking administrative penalties and possible sanctions against the respondent's license. An administrative penalty is a monetary fine paid by the respondent to the State of Texas.

What is an opening letter for TDLR?

An opening letter is also sent to the person against whom the complaint was filed, known as the "respondent," if he is licensed by the agency. For certain types of complaints, opening letters are not issued because of the type of investigation to be conducted. The case is given a complaint number for identification purposes and is assigned to an investigator for further action.

When can a respondent file a motion for rehearing in Texas?

If the respondent believes that either an Order of the Executive Director or Order of the Commission has error (s), the respondent may file a Motion for Rehearing pursuant to Section 2001.144, Texas Government Code no later than the 25th day after the Order is signed. A Motion for Rehearing is a prerequisite to any further appeals of the Order.

Who is the witness to the violations found during the inspection?

In other words, the inspector is the witness to the violations found during the inspection, so he is in the best position to create a report of his findings. If the prosecutor needs more information after reviewing the inspector' s report, she will seek that information directly from the inspector.

How long does it take to file a complaint with the Attorney General?

If a governmental body fails to respond to your request for information or request an attorney general ruling within ten business days , you may file a written complaint with the Open Records Division of the Office of the Attorney General.

What is the Attorney General's job in Texas?

The Attorney General is responsible for ensuring that Texas government is open and accessible to all citizens. Part of this responsibility includes interpreting and enforcing Texas’ open government laws, the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.

What is the Open Records Division?

The Open Records Division also provides an Open Government Hotline staffed by attorneys who specialize in both the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. They can answer questions and help resolve disputes involving open government laws. Hotline staff cannot, however, provide legal advice to private citizens or governmental entities.

How long does it take to get public information?

Upon receipt of a public information request, a governmental body generally is required within ten business days to either provide access to the requested information or request an attorney general ruling on whether the information can be withheld.

Who has jurisdiction over open meetings?

District courts have jurisdiction over criminal violations of the Act as misdemeanors involving official misconduct. Thus, Open Meetings Act complaints should be presented to the county attorney or criminal district attorney. The Office of the Attorney General has no independent enforcement authority under the Act.

Does the Attorney General have an enforcement authority?

The Office of the Attorney General has no independent enforcement authority under the Act. For more information on the Open Meetings Act, please see our Open Meetings Handbook.

Can a complaint be filed against a government agency?

Additionally, complaints may be filed against governmental bodies if requestors believe they are being overcharged for a copy or inspection of public information. The attorney general promulgates cost rules regarding the charges and methods of calculations. These rules are mandatory for all governmental bodies, except to the extent that other laws establish charges for specific kinds of information.

What is confidential information in consumer complaint?

Consumer complaint documents may contain personal financial data or other confidential information of the complainant that cannot be released. Generally, the OCCC must request a determination from the Open Records Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office to withhold such information.

What is a complaint summary?

You may request a complaint summary. The summary will include basic information about the complaint and staff member notes. Complaint summaries may contain confidential information that cannot be released, and may be costly to produce.

What information is redacted in Texas?

Such redactions include: social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and personal email addresses.

Does the OCCC redact consumer identifiers?

You would receive consumer identities but none of the specifics of their transactions; OR. When financial information is requested, the OCCC will redact (obscure or remove) any consumer identifiers. You would receive the financial transaction information, but none of the information that identifies the consumer.

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 you have a problem with an online transaction?

If you have a problem during an online transaction, try to solve it with the seller or website. If that does not work, file a complaint with:

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.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

What do you do when you are sued?

File lawsuits on your behalf or on behalf of individual consumers. Bring criminal charges for deceptive practices. Provide legal counsel or interpretations of the law to individuals. Routinely resolve individual complaints.

Is a complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Division open?

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.

Does filing a complaint mean we represent you?

Please note: Filing a complaint does not mean that our office represents you in. any legal proceeding. You will receive a confirmation email once your complaint is successfully submitted. However, this does not mean that a case or investigation is open with the Consumer Protection Division.

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Consumer Complaints

  • When the Enforcement Division receives a complaint from a consumer or other member of the public, the complaint is assigned to the intake section for review. An intake legal assistant performs research and analysis to determine (1) if TDLR has legal jurisdiction, and (2) whether there is reason to believe a violation may have occurred. In the cours...
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Department Complaints

  • The intake and investigation procedures described above are the standard procedures that are applied to complaints from consumers and the public, i.e. any person from outside the agency. The Enforcement Division also receives a large volume of complaints from TDLR staff, known as "Department complaints." Some Department complaints are processed according to the standar…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Resolution

  • In all cases, the prosecutor decides how the case will be resolved. If the prosecutor determines that formal enforcement action is not warranted, due to insufficient evidence or other reasons, she will close the case informally by issuing a closing letter. She may also issue a warning letter to the respondent, recommending that he come into compliance with the applicable law. To pro…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Agreed Orders

  • When an NOAV is sent, it may contain a settlement offer. If an agreement is reached, an Agreed Order is issued by the Executive Director of TDLR. The Agreed Order will typically require the respondent to do certain things, such as paying an administrative penalty to the agency, paying restitution or making repairs for the consumer, completing additional education, or providing req…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Default Orders

  • If a settlement is not reached and the respondent does not make a timely request for a hearing after receiving the NOAV, a Default Order granting penalties or sanctions may be entered against the respondent without first conducting a hearing. Default Orders are issued by the Executive Director of TDLR.
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Hearing

  • If the respondent requests a hearing in writing within 20 days after receiving the NOAV, the hearing is scheduled before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Parties are advised of the hearing date and time. The case is heard by a SOAH administrative law judge, who submits a Proposal for Decision (PFD) to all parties. The PFD contains the judge's proposed find…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Commission Meeting

  • All parties are notified of the date of the Commission meeting, at which time the Commission will consider adopting the decision recommended by the SOAH judge in the PFD. At the Commission meeting, the respondent and the Department's attorney are given an opportunity to make arguments to the Commission regarding the PFD. After the Commission makes a final decision i…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Rehearing and Judicial Review

  • If the respondent believes that either an Order of the Executive Director or Order of the Commission has error(s), the respondent may file a Motion for Rehearing pursuant to Section 2001.144, Texas Government Code no later than the 25th day after the Order is signed. A Motion for Rehearing is a prerequisite to any further appeals of the Order. The respondent or any party …
See more on tdlr.texas.gov