how to reach texas attorney general office disaster deceptive practice

Texans who believe they have encountered deceptive trade practices or scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our disaster scams website. Read a copy of the filing here.

Full Answer

How do I get legal advice after a disaster in Texas?

The Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The 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 ...

How does the Office of the Attorney General protect Texas consumers?

Apr 24, 2020 · Texans who believe they have encountered deceptive trade practices or scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit …

What is the Texas deceptive trade practices act (DTPA)?

Moreover, legal advice may only be requested concerning issues related disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery concerning the coronavirus. Authorized local officials …

Do I need a lawyer for a deceptive trade practices case?

Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Toll-Free Hotline Call: 1-800-621-0508 Email: [email protected]. Some businesses raise their prices excessively on essential goods and services like drinking water, ice, groceries, fuel, towing, and car and home repairs.

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 with the Attorney General 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 Texas?

Filing a ComplaintTexas Department of Insurance. Consumer Help Line: 1-800-252-3439. ... Office of the Attorney General. Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 621-0508. ... Texas Medical Board. http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/place-a-complaint. ... Texas Board of Nursing. ... Texas Department of Health Services. ... VA Inspector General.Aug 25, 2015

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).

How do you report a business for unethical practices?

Answer. Report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The more information you can give us about the situation, the more useful your report will be.

How do I file a complaint against a Texas district attorney?

The State Bar of Texas is the agency with authority to regulate attorneys in Texas. If you have a complaint about the actions of an attorney, contact the State Bar's Grievance Committee at (800) 932-1900.

Does filing a complaint with the BBB do anything?

One good option is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB helps consumers settle disputes related to sales, contracts, customer service, warranties, billings, and refunds every year. It accepts complaints even if the company that's harmed you doesn't belong to the Better Business Bureau.Apr 15, 2020

Where can I complain about a company?

10 Effective Ways to Complain About a Company OnlineGo to the company website. ... Contact the Better Business Bureau. ... Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ... Check out the Ripoff Report. ... Email [email protected]. ... Try Yelp. ... Post on Planet Feedback. ... Google your attorney general.More items...

Who can you report a company to?

3. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Federal Trade Commission will investigate a company if it knows about wrongdoing. In order for it to know, people need to file complaints.

How do I lodge a complaint with the Consumer Protection Act?

Complaints must be in writing and can be lodged directly on the ICASA website or a complaints form can be completed and emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 012 568 3444.

How to protect yourself from unscrupulous operators?

If you are insured, call your insurance adjuster and have them make an estimate of the damage and probable repair cost . This will give you a benchmark estimate, prepared by a professional, when you negotiate with contractors.

What happens if a contractor is not insured?

If the contractor is not insured, you could be liable for accidents on your property. Find out in writing if the contractor or business will place a lien, security interest or mortgage on your property. Ask for guarantees in writing.

What is CharityWatch?

CharityWatch formerly known as The American Institute of Philanthropy, is a charity watchdog group which helps donors make informed choices. Guidestar gathers data on millions of IRS-recognized non-profits.

Can a contractor threaten you?

A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly. REMEMBER: Special laws apply if a contractor from another area is working because of damage or destruction to property caused by an emergency.

Is price gouging illegal in Texas?

Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, price gouging is illegal, and the Office of the Attorney General has authority to prosecute any business that engages in price gouging after an emergency has been declared by the governor.

How many cars were submerged in floodwaters during Hurricane Harvey?

It is estimated that between 500,000 and one million automobiles were submerged in floodwaters during Hurricane Harvey alone.

Is Texas a ground zero for natural disasters?

Texas has been ground zero for some of the nation’s most devastating natural disasters. Whether you’ve been a victim or a neighbor helping others in need, Texans have always responded by coming together in times of crisis. Our office wants to ensure all Texans have access to the disaster relief resources they need, or want to be a part of, and are aware of fraudulent activity surrounding such disasters. Unfortunately, a natural disaster leaves more than uprooted lives in its wake. It also pulls in an army of price gougers, fly-by-night door-to-door contractors, and bogus charities.

What happens if Texas declares a disaster?

However, if a disaster has been declared by the Governor of Texas or the President, and businesses raise the price of their products to exorbitant or excessive rates to take advantage of the disaster declaration, then it is quite likely that price gouging is taking place, and you should file a complaint with our office concerning the incident.

What does "exorbitant" mean?

Demanding an exorbitant or excessive price in connection with the sale or lease of fuel, food, medicine, lodging, building materials, construction tools, or another necessity. Please note that high prices alone do not mean that price gouging has taken place, as businesses are generally allowed to determine the prices for their products.

Is price gouging illegal?

Price gouging is illegal, and the Office of the Attorney General has authority to prosecute any business that engages in price gouging after a disaster has been declared by the governor or president. The attorney general has issued stern warnings about price gouging to businesses in times of disaster, but you should still be on your guard.

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About KEN PAXTON

Ken Paxton is the 51st Attorney General of Texas. He was elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn into office on January 5, 2015.