what does an attorney general do for consumers

Attorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues.

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What is an attorneys general and what do they do?

Using consumer complaints and other information, the Attorney General may identify patterns of misconduct that may lead to investigations and actions on behalf of the collective legal interests of the people of California. If you believe a business has violated the CCPA, you may file a consumer complaint with the Office of the Attorney General. If you choose to file a complaint …

Does the Attorney General of California represent individual consumers?

The Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General's Office works to protect North Carolina consumers by fighting unfair business practices. The Consumer Protection Division has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers like you get more than $100 million in refunds and helped win $250 million in savings on your utility rates. The North Carolina …

What does the North Carolina attorney general's office do?

1 day ago · California Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Warning Against Fraudulent CharitiesCalifornia Attorney General Bonta warns people to do their due diligence before donating to make sure these ...

What is the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina attorney general?

What does the attorney general do?

Attorneys general are the top legal officers of their state or territory. They advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and act as the “People's Lawyer” for the citizens.

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

You can also request a complaint form by calling 1.800. 382.5516 or 317.232. 6330....Consumer Complaint Forms:Online Consumer Complaint Form.Fillable Consumer Complaint Form.Printable Consumer Complaint Form.QUEJA DEL CONSUMIDOR.

How do you make a consumer complaint?

A dissatisfied consumer can file a complaint directly with the national commission or appeal against decisions of the state commission within a month from the date of the order. The court fee is Rs 5,000 and the demand draft should be in the name of The Registrar, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

How do I file a complaint against a local business?

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. The BBB tries to resolve your complaints against companies.Sep 30, 2021

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

What are customer issues?

Customer complaints can be defined as the gaps between what business promises in terms of the product or services and what customers get. It is a mismatch between how customers perceive the brand and where they fail to get the desired customer service experience.Feb 14, 2022

What are some examples of consumer complaints?

Customer ComplaintsLong Wait on Hold. ... Unavailable or Out of Stock Product. ... Repeating the Customer's Problem. ... Uninterested Service Rep. ... Poor Product or Service. ... No First Call Resolution. ... Lack of Follow Up. ... New Product or Feature Request.Aug 13, 2020

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.

Which are the consumer rights?

Consumer Rights and ResponsibilitiesRight to safety.Right to choose.Right to be informed.Right to consumer education.Right to be heard.Right to Seek redressal.Consumer Protection Act.

Who to contact when a business rips you off?

the Federal Trade CommissionTo file a complaint, just go to ftc.gov/complaint, and answer the questions. Or call That's all there is to it. If you've been ripped off or scammed, complain to the Federal Trade Commission. It can help put the bad guys out of business.

What is the agency that protects consumers against false advertising?

The FTC'sThe FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting reports from consumers and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights ...

How to file a complaint against a consumer?

Pursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to: 1 Require through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations. 2 Enter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court. 3 Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws.

What is UDAP law?

Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws). Attorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to parens patriae authority as well as authority obtained ...

Who reviews a complaint?

After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether: The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office. If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint. Or both depending on the situation.

What is Parens patriae?

Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state. Pursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state.

What is consent judgment?

Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws. Remedies available can include: Although the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers.

What are the privacy laws in California?

The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) gives consumers more control over the personal information that businesses collect about them and the CCPA regulations provide guidance on how to implement the law. This landmark law secures new privacy rights for California consumers, including: 1 The right to know about the personal information a business collects about them and how it is used and shared; 2 The right to delete personal information collected from them (with some exceptions); 3 The right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information; and 4 The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights.

What is the CCPA law?

This landmark law secures new privacy rights for California consumers, including: The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights . Businesses are required to give consumers certain notices e xplaining their privacy practices. The CCPA applies to many businesses, including data brokers.

Does California have CCPA?

Only California residents have rights under the CCPA. A California resident is a natural person (as opposed to a corporation or other business entity) who resides in California, even if the person is temporarily outside of the state.

What is a data broker in California?

Another California law, Civil Code section 1798.99.80, defines a data broker as “a business that knowingly collects and sells to third parties the personal information of a consumer with whom the business does not have a direct relationship.” This law exempts certain businesses that are regulated by other laws from this definition. Exempted businesses include consumer reporting agencies (commonly known as credit bureaus) and certain financial institutions and insurance companies.

What is CCPA in business?

The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights. Businesses are required to give consumers certain notices e xplaining their privacy practices. The CCPA applies to many businesses, including data brokers.

How long do you have to wait to sell your personal information?

Businesses must wait at least 12 months before asking you to opt back in to the sale of your personal information. 2.

Which credit reporting agencies can still collect credit information?

Credit reporting agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can still collect and disclose your credit information, subject to regulation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Learn more about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act here. Learn more about how to check and fix your credit report here.