How to File a Pennsylvania Attorney General Consumer Complaint

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.

In addition to filing a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General or if they cannot assist you, consider sending the business a demand letter. We have a free tool that helps you write a demand letter. Check out our demand letter tool.

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. 

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.

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 [email protected].

• 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. 

Below are the steps the PA Attorney General’s Office will take once they receive your complaint: 

1. 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. 

2. If the Office is able to handle your complaint, the business will receive a notification of the complaint and have 21 days to respond.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

Option 1: Send a Demand Letter

If the Pennsylvania Attorney General doesn't assist you, consider sending the business a demand letter. We have a free tool that helps you write a demand letter. Check out our demand letter tool.

Here is a video on how our demand letter tool works:

Option 2: Consider Suing in Pennsylvania Small Claims

If you could not file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General or they were unable to resolve your complaint, you may be able to file a small claims lawsuit against the business or individual. In Pennsylvania, small claims courts are known as Magisterial District Courts.