what happens when you file a consumer complaint with attorney general

Consumer Complaint The Attorney General works to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace by enforcing Missouri’s Merchandising Practices Act, as well as other laws. By filing complaints, consumers let the Attorney General’s Office know about unscrupulous businesses and individuals.

Full Answer

When should I file a consumer complaint?

You can file an appeal if you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by one of these:

• Medicare
• Your Medicare health plan
• Your Medicare drug plan

How to file a consumer complaint?

• Keep copies of checks you deposit and the deposit receipt
• Take photos of the checks and receipts in case you need to file a complaint
• Check your account immediately after a deposit. it should show it as pending
• Avoid depositing a big check at an ATM where it's harder to correct a mistake

Who can file a consumer complaint?

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. Some federal agencies accept complaints about companies, but may not resolve your problem.

Where to file a consumer complaint?

The ministry’s involvement may take the form of:

• referring you to an organization or government office that is better suited to deal with the complaint
• attempting to mediate a resolution between you and the business
• educating the business about consumer protection laws and the consumer about their rights

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What will a consumer do if they want to file a 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.

What are the 4 steps in the consumer complaint process?

4 steps to handling a customer complaintIdentify the problem. The first thing to do in the case of a complaint is identify the problem. ... Rectify the problem. ... Follow up on the problem. ... Learn from the problem.

What does filing an FTC complaint do?

Complaints help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies bring scam artists to justice and put an end to unfair and misleading business practices. If you have a complaint, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

When can a consumer file a complaint?

A consumer complaint should be filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action or deficiency in service or defect in goods arises.

How do you investigate a customer complaint?

A 5-step process for handling customer complaintsStep 1: Dig deeper by asking the right questions. ... Step 2: Identify the type of customer you're dealing with. ... Step 3: Respond to the customer quickly. ... Step 4: Present a solution, and verify that the problem is solved. ... Step 5: Log the complaint so you can track trends.

What is the typical frame to file a complaint?

What is the time period to file a complaint under Consumer Protection Act? Filing of a consumer protection complaint has to be done within two years from the date on which the cause of action or deficiency in service or defect in goods arises.

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.

How long does it take the FTC to respond to a complaint?

How long does it take for the FTC to respond to a FOIA request? Our goal is to respond within the timeframe outlined in the Freedom of Information Act, which is twenty working days, or approximately one month, but this may vary with the complexity of the request.

How long do it take for FTC investigations?

FTC evidentiary hearings are open to the public and are intended to be expeditious (around 200 hours). To be admissible, evidence must be relevant, material and reliable. FTC counsel are permitted to disclose any information obtained during the initial investigation if it is necessary to the administrative proceeding.

How much time does consumer court take?

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, mandates that all cases be settled in 90-150 days.

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 are the situations cases in which a complaint can be lodged by the consumer to claim compensation under consumer protection act?

Under Section 2 (6) of New Act, Complaint is defined as any allegation in writing, made by a complainant for obtaining the relief provided under the act in case of unfair trade practices, defects in goods, deficiency in service, excess price of goods and services, selling of hazardous goods.

How to file a complaint against a company?

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. Typically, the state’s attorney general investigates those complaints. 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, and taking legal action.

How long does it take to get a complaint from a company?

Generally, a representative will contact you within two weeks via correspondence or phone to confirm your complaint. If you haven’t heard from the company after two weeks , then contact the attorney general.

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, ...

What documents do the Attorney General want to see?

Attach necessary documentation. The Attorney General will want to see any and all contracts, correspondence, receipts, cancelled checks, and advertisements. Do not send originals.

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 list when contacting a company?

List any action you have taken. Typically, you will be asked whether or not you have contacted the individual or company.

How to find consumer protection link?

If you are taken to the attorney general’s main page, look for a link for “consumer protection.” Click on it.

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 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.

Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust

Once you file a complaint, you will receive an e-mail from a member of the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust acknowledging receipt of the complaint form. Your complaint will be reviewed and evaluated by our attorneys to determine whether a sufficient basis exists for action by the Attorney General.

What Happens After a Complaint is Filed?

Once you file a complaint, you will receive an e-mail from a member of the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust acknowledging receipt of the complaint form. Your complaint will be reviewed and evaluated by our attorneys to determine whether a sufficient basis exists for action by the Attorney General.

What to do if you have a complaint against a government agency?

If your complaint is with a government agency rather than a business, contact the elected officials with authority over that agency . For example, if it is a federal agency, contact your U.S. Representative or Senator. For a local agency, contact a city or county official.

How to contact Consumer Protection Division?

If you would like assistance in resolving a consumer complaint, please complete our Online Consumer Complaint and Mediation Request Form , or print and mail a General Consumer Mediation Form (on the right sidebar of this page), or call the Consumer Protection Division at (502) 696-5389. Complaints concerning utilities should be submitted to the Office of Rate Intervention's Utility Complaint Form.

What to do if a business does not resolve a problem?

If the business will not resolve a problem directly, consumers can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau, or a small claims court. The complaint should explain in detail, with documentation, what the problem is, who it is with, what you have done and what you want. In particular, it should:

How to explain a dispute?

Describe the dispute. Explain in detail actions you have taken in good faith to resolve the complaint, and why you feel the business should not be paid.

How long after a credit card statement is sent can you write to the credit card company?

Write to your credit card issuer at the address for errors or inquiries found on your billing statement no later than 60 days after the billing statement was sent.

How to describe a problem?

Describe the Problem – Describe as completely as you can the problem with the product or service you have purchased. Were you told something that was untrue? Describe what you were told and how it was untrue. Is it defective? Explain what is wrong. Did the business refuse to honor a warranty? Explain what needs repair and include a photocopy of the warranty.

What is consumer reporter?

Consumer Reporters – Some television stations, radio stations and newspapers have consumer reporters that help people with complaints.

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

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

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.

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 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 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 should a governmental body explain?

The governmental body should explain how it has complied with the Act. A form may be provided to assist the governmental body’s response.