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Do you want to file a consumer complaint against a business for price gouging, or report a business for false advertisement? Consider filing a consumer complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Below we will discuss what type of consumer complaints you can file with the Pennsylvania Attorney General and how to file the complaint.
Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a complaint letter to a business? Check out our complaint letter tool.
Who is the Pennsylvania Attorney General?
The PA Attorney General is the highest legal officer in the state of Pennsylvania. The Office of the Attorney General is tasked with representing the public at large by enforcing laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices.
The Office of the Attorney General is split into four divisions; (1) Civil Law, (2) Office of Public Engagement, (3) Criminal Law, and (4) Public Protection. The Public Protection Division oversees more than 50,000 complaints from citizens every year. These submissions typically include scams, frauds, illegal business practices, Medicaid Fraud, and Civil Rights.
If you’re looking to report a fraudulent business, then submitting a PA Attorney General consumer complaint may be a good option for you.
What is a Pennsylvania Attorney General Consumer Complaint?
By submitting a complaint with the PA Attorney General, you’re reporting a business that has potentially committed an illegal activity.
Below are some common reasons to file a PA Attorney General consumer complaint:
If a business is price gouging (the unfair raising of prices beyond what is considered reasonable or fair).
If a business is spreading false advertising.
If you are receiving unsolicited telemarketer calls even though your phone number is registered on the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List.
How to File a Complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General
There are a couple of different ways you may file a PA Attorney General consumer complaint:
Online by filling out the PA Attorney General online consumer complaint form.
By mail by printing the PA Attorney General Consumer complaint form, and placing the form in an envelope with any supporting documents to the mailing address below.
Office of Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
15th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
By phone. You may also submit your complaint by calling the Office’s Toll-Free Hotline at 800-441-2555.
Consider including the following information in your consumer complaint form to the Office of the PA Attorney General so they may better assist you:
The name of the business you’re filing against.
Supporting files such as contracts, proof of payments, and receipts. This evidence can be uploaded online when you fill out the online consumer complaint form and it may also be emailed to BCPAdmin@attorneygeneral.gov.
Include information on the company officer or employee you spoke with. Their name, contact information, etc.
Your phone number and address.
A brief but detailed description of what your complaint is about.
If you need to submit a different type of complaint relating to scams, Medicaid fraud, or individual civil rights use the link here.
What to Expect After You Have Filed a Pennsylvania Attorney General Complaint
Below are the steps the PA Attorney General’s Office will take once they receive your complaint:
The PA Attorney General’s Office will check if your complaint falls under their authority. If it does not, they’ll refer it to a different agency and you will be notified of the change.
If the Office is able to handle your complaint, the business will receive a notification of the complaint and have 21 days to respond.
If the business responds you will both participate in mediation. The PA Attorney General, through the Bureau of Consumer Protection, provides this mediation service for consumers.
Mediation means an agent will be assigned to resolve the conflict between you and the business. If you are able to resolve the conflict through mediation, you may receive a refund or other forms of relief from the business.
If the mediation fails or the business doesn’t respond, the Office may decide to investigate further and decide whether to file a civil case against the business.
DO NOT expect the PA Attorney General’s Office to:
Represent you in court as your private attorney.
Give you legal advice about your complaint.
File criminal charges against the business.
Alternative to Filing a Complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General
Besides submitting a consumer complaint with the PA Attorney General there are three additional options you may take:
Send a demand letter to the business.
Sue the business in a Pennsylvania small claims court.
Submitting a complaint with the BBB.
If you were unhappy with the results of your PA Attorney General complaint or were ineligible in the first place, then you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against the business in a Pennsylvania small claims court. If you file a small claims lawsuit you may seek financial compensation from the business for up to $12,000.
Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a complaint letter to a business? Check out our complaint letter tool.
Claudia Diaz
Legal Educator @ People Clerk. Claudia holds a J.D. degree and is a certified mediator in New York and Florida. She has participated in dozens of small claims mediations in New York City courts.