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Rhode Island Attorney General

Last reviewed: June 3, 2026

The Rhode Island Attorney General's office protects consumers from fraud, scams, and unfair business practices, primarily under the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1). This page explains how to contact the office, how to file a consumer complaint, and what the Attorney General can and cannot help with.

Quick Contact

Phone: 401-274-4400 (Consumer Protection Unit)
Website: riag.ri.gov
File Complaint Online: Rhode Island Consumer Complaint Form

Contact & Office Address

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General

Address:
150 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903

Consumer phone: 401-274-4400 (Consumer Protection Unit)

Website: riag.ri.gov

How to File a Consumer Complaint in Rhode Island

Online (Recommended)

  1. Open the Rhode Island consumer complaint form.
  2. Complete all required fields with accurate, detailed information.
  3. Describe what happened, including dates, dollar amounts, and the business involved.
  4. Upload supporting documents such as receipts, contracts, and correspondence.
  5. Submit the form and save your confirmation or reference number.

By Phone

Call the consumer protection line: 401-274-4400 (Consumer Protection Unit)

Staff can help you start a complaint, answer questions about your rights, and check on the status of an existing complaint.

By Mail

Mail your written complaint and copies of supporting documents to:

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
150 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903

Send copies, never your original documents.

💡 Tip: Try to resolve the issue with the business in writing first, and keep a record of every attempt. Attorney General offices give priority to complaints that show a pattern affecting many consumers.

Rhode Island Consumer Protection Priorities

Complaint Mediation

Resolving disputes between consumers and businesses.

Deceptive Advertising

Stopping misleading advertising.

Medical Debt

Addressing unfair medical-debt practices.

Contractor Fraud

Pursuing home-improvement fraud.

Key Rhode Island Consumer Laws

  • Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1): Prohibits unfair and deceptive acts in trade and commerce.
  • Identity Theft Protection Act of 2015: Sets data-breach notification and consumer data-security requirements.

These state laws work alongside federal protections such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the FTC Act. Learn more about your consumer rights.

What the Rhode Island Attorney General Can Help With

Consumer Fraud

  • Deceptive advertising
  • Scams and fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Unfair business practices

Common Disputes

  • Billing and refund problems
  • Contract violations
  • Warranty issues
  • Debt collection abuse

Specific Industries

  • Auto sales & repair
  • Home improvement contractors
  • Landlord-tenant matters
  • Telemarketing & robocalls

What It Cannot Do

  • Act as your private lawyer
  • Give individual legal advice
  • Guarantee a refund
  • Resolve purely private disputes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a consumer complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General?

You can file online using the Rhode Island consumer complaint form, by phone at 401-274-4400, or by mail to the address listed above. Include copies (not originals) of receipts, contracts, and any correspondence that documents your issue.

What is the Rhode Island Attorney General consumer protection phone number?

The consumer protection line is 401-274-4400 (Consumer Protection Unit). Lines are generally staffed Monday through Friday during business hours.

What kinds of complaints does the Rhode Island Attorney General handle?

The office handles consumer issues such as deceptive business practices, fraud and scams, false advertising, billing disputes, and unfair trade practices under the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1). Current priorities include complaint mediation, deceptive advertising, and medical debt.

Will the Attorney General act as my personal lawyer?

No. The Rhode Island Attorney General represents the state and the public interest, not individual consumers, and cannot give you legal advice. Filing is free, and your complaint helps identify patterns of fraud that can lead to enforcement action. To recover money directly, consider small claims court or a private attorney.

Additional Resources

Related Information

Filing Guide

General complaint filing instructions

Complete guide →

Your Consumer Rights

Know your legal protections

Learn your rights →

Common Scams

Identify and avoid fraud

Scam library →