How to File an Attorney General Complaint
Quick Summary
Filing a complaint with your state Attorney General is free and can help resolve consumer disputes, report fraud, and hold businesses accountable. AG offices prioritize cases affecting multiple consumers or showing patterns of illegal behavior. While individual resolution isn't guaranteed, your complaint helps identify problematic businesses and informs enforcement actions.
Table of Contents
Before You File: Important Considerations
When to File an AG Complaint
Consider filing when you've experienced:
- Consumer fraud or scams
- Deceptive advertising or false promises
- Refusal to honor warranties or guarantees
- Identity theft or data breach
- Debt collector harassment
- Price gouging during emergencies
- Contractor fraud or home improvement scams
- Auto dealer fraud or lemon law issues
- Unfair business practices
- Violation of consumer protection laws
Try to Resolve Directly First
Important: Most AG offices expect you to attempt resolution with the business before filing. Document all contact attempts:
- Phone calls (date, time, who you spoke with, outcome)
- Emails sent and received
- Written letters (keep copies)
- In-person visits
What Attorney Generals Cannot Do
Set realistic expectations:
- ❌ AGs cannot serve as your personal lawyer
- ❌ AGs cannot force businesses to give you refunds (but can pursue broader action)
- ❌ AGs cannot represent you in court
- ❌ AGs may not investigate every individual complaint
- ❌ Resolution of your specific issue is not guaranteed
What they CAN do: Contact the business on your behalf, investigate patterns of fraud affecting multiple people, file lawsuits for injunctions and restitution, and educate consumers about scams.
Step-by-Step Filing Process
Step 1: Gather All Documentation
Before starting your complaint, collect:
- Purchase documentation: Receipts, invoices, order confirmations
- Contracts: Sales agreements, service contracts, terms and conditions
- Communications: Emails, text messages, letters, call logs
- Advertising materials: Screenshots of ads, flyers, promotional emails
- Photos/videos: Visual evidence of defective products or poor workmanship
- Payment records: Credit card statements, canceled checks, bank records
- Resolution attempts: Documentation of all contact with the business
Step 2: Locate Your State AG's Complaint Form
Each state has its own process:
- Online forms: Most states offer web-based complaint submission (fastest method)
- Phone hotlines: Some states accept complaints by phone
- Mail: You can mail written complaints with documentation
- In-person: Some states have regional offices accepting walk-in complaints
Step 3: Complete the Complaint Form
Most AG complaint forms ask for:
- Your information: Name, address, phone, email
- Business information: Name, address, phone, website, contact person
- Transaction details: Date of purchase, amount paid, product/service description
- Problem description: Detailed explanation of what happened (be specific)
- Resolution attempts: What you've done to resolve it
- Desired outcome: What resolution you're seeking (refund, repair, etc.)
- Additional victims: Whether you know others affected
Step 4: Write a Clear Problem Description
Tips for effective complaints:
- ✅ Be specific: Include dates, amounts, names, locations
- ✅ Be chronological: Describe events in order
- ✅ Be factual: Stick to facts, not emotions
- ✅ Be concise: Keep it focused and readable
- ✅ Include impact: Explain harm caused (financial loss, damaged credit, etc.)
- ❌ Avoid: Profanity, threats, excessive length, irrelevant details
Step 5: Upload or Mail Supporting Documents
Always include copies, never originals:
- Scan or photograph documents clearly
- Organize by date or category
- Label each document
- Keep original documents for your records
- If mailing, send via certified mail with tracking
Step 6: Submit and Keep Records
- Save confirmation number or submission receipt
- Print or screenshot the completed complaint
- Note the date of submission
- Keep copies of everything sent
- Save any email confirmations
Essential Evidence Checklist
| Evidence Type | Why It's Important | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Receipts/Invoices | Proves transaction occurred and amount paid | Itemized receipts, order confirmations, payment receipts |
| Contracts | Shows promises made and terms agreed to | Signed agreements, terms of service, warranty documents |
| Advertising | Proves claims made by business | Screenshots, flyers, email promotions, website captures |
| Communications | Documents your attempts to resolve and business responses | Email chains, text messages, voicemail transcripts, letters |
| Photos/Videos | Visual proof of defects or problems | Product defects, poor workmanship, damage, condition |
| Expert Assessments | Third-party validation of problems | Mechanic reports, inspection reports, appraisals |
| Financial Records | Proves payment and financial impact | Bank statements, credit card statements, canceled checks |
What Happens After You File
Possible Outcomes
1. Business Contact
AG staff may contact the business to seek voluntary resolution, request information, or negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
2. Mediation Assistance
Some AG offices offer mediation services to help you and the business reach an agreement.
3. Investigation Opened
If your complaint shows a pattern with others, the AG may open a formal investigation into the business.
4. Referral to Other Agency
Your complaint may be referred to a more appropriate agency (FTC, BBB, licensing board, etc.).
5. No Action Taken
AG offices cannot investigate every complaint. You may receive information about other options (small claims court, private attorney).
6. Added to Database
Even without immediate action, complaints are logged and help identify patterns for future enforcement.
Remember: Attorney Generals act in the public interest, not as private attorneys. They prioritize cases affecting multiple consumers or showing systemic fraud. Your complaint contributes to this larger mission even if your individual case isn't resolved.
Realistic Timelines
| Stage | Typical Timeframe | What's Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Response | 1-2 weeks | Automated confirmation or initial acknowledgment |
| Complaint Review | 2-6 weeks | Staff reviews complaint, checks for patterns, determines jurisdiction |
| Business Contact | 4-8 weeks | AG contacts business, requests response or information |
| Mediation/Resolution | 2-4 months | Back-and-forth between parties, negotiation attempts |
| Investigation | 6-18+ months | Formal investigation if pattern identified (involves subpoenas, document review) |
| Legal Action | 1-3+ years | Lawsuits, settlements, enforcement actions against business |
Don't wait for AG action alone: While your complaint is pending, consider parallel options like small claims court, BBB mediation, credit card disputes, or hiring a private attorney if significant money is involved.
File by State
Each state has its own complaint process. Select your state for specific instructions and contact information:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Common Complaint Types
Get specific guidance for your type of issue:
Other Agencies to Contact
Depending on your issue, these agencies may also help:
| Agency | Handles | How to File |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | Fraud, identity theft, scams, deceptive practices | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) | Banks, mortgages, credit cards, debt collectors, credit reporting | CFPB Complaint Portal |
| FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Internet fraud, cybercrime, online scams | IC3.gov |
| IdentityTheft.gov | Identity theft recovery plan and reporting | IdentityTheft.gov |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Business disputes, mediation services | BBB.org |
| Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | Phone/internet service, robocalls, telemarketing | FCC Consumer Complaints |
| State Licensing Boards | Licensed professionals (contractors, realtors, etc.) | Search "[state] [profession] licensing board" |
💡 Tip: You can file with multiple agencies simultaneously. Each serves a different purpose and maintains separate databases that inform enforcement actions.