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Provides consumer information, referrals and informal complaint resolution services for consumer complaints involving unfair and deceptive business practices.   Assistance includes informal complaint resolution and help directing inquiries and contacts to the appropriate agencies for assistance. Also provides consumer education through online and written materials and speakers who are able to address a variety of consumer protection issues. Topics include: -  Identity theft a private lawsuit may be necessary -  Debt management -  Refund rights   -  Scams -  Foreclosure -  Student loans   Offers options if the business disagrees with the complaint. Cannot compel a firm to resolve a complaint. Options: - Bring a legal action, such as in Small Claims Court. - A private lawsuit may be necessary if the amount claimed is over the limit handled by Small Claims Court. The state Consumer Protection Act allows the plantiff to recover the costs of bringing suit, including attorney’s fees if the suit is successful.

Independent regulatory agency enforces federal consumer protection and antitrust laws on behalf of the general public.   Investigates complaints regarding unfair, deceptive or anti-competitive business practices. These practices may include: -  False advertising -  Unfair credit practices -  Misleading packaging -  Mail-order problems -  Price fixing    Cannot act on behalf of individual consumers, but collects information from individuals about problems with businesses.   Develops resource guides to help consumers find the appropriate agencies to contact about consumer-related matters. These guides contain lists of nonprofit, state and local agencies for the states in each federal region.   Brochures are available on a wide variety of topics of interest to consumers. Brochures are available in Spanish and English.

Works with consumers and local businesses to help resolve disputes as an alternative to going to court. Complaints can be filed against Accredited and Non-Accredited businesses. Uses various dispute resolution processes; 1) Conciliation: Staff will collect the information needed from the customer and then contact the business and work with both parties to assist in negotiation to settle the problem. Staff present the customer's views to the business and offer the business' viewpoint to the customer in an impartial way; 2) Mediation: If conciliation does not solve the problem, mediation may be the next step. In mediation, an impartial third party - the mediator - clarifies and reframes problems and helps the two sides talk with each other and discuss solutions. The mediator does not decide the merits of either party's claim. The mediator's goal is to identify the interests of each party and work with them to arrive at a win-win solution; 3) Arbitration: If conciliation and/or mediation efforts are not successful, arbitration may be the next step. The parties state their views at an arbitration hearing, offer evidence and let an impartial arbitrator make a decision that will end the dispute. Both parties must sign an Agreement to Arbitrate that briefly describes the specific issues involved and the scope of the arbitrator's authority in the case. This agreement sets the groundwork for the arbitration hearing. In arbitration, the arbitrator is asked to consider all relevant factors and to make what he or she considers a fair decision based on fairness rather than the law. While the parties in dispute may argue legal principles, the arbitrator does not have to follow them strictly in making a decision.

Receives and investigates complaints against member and nonmember direct marketing organizations. The ANA is interested in hearing from consumers if they believe a direct marketing promotion or practice is questionable and may warrant a formal review by staff or the ANA Ethics Committee. - Consumers requesting assistance should include the complete name and address of the company involved in the complaint, photocopies or screenshots (not originals) of any cancelled checks, order forms, other relevant documents, and a complete summary the facts of the complaint. - ANA refers the complaint to the company on the consumer's behalf and asks that the company resolve the matter. - Due to limited resources, ANA is unable to respond to every complaint. However, we will make note of your inquiry and include it in our reporting efforts and will address appropriate complaints and inquiries that fall under our purview.

Provides free 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with an attorney for advice on civil legal issues such as: consumer, finance/debt, employment, housing, benefits. Appointments are required. Clinics are currently telephonic. Attorneys at the clinic are not able to provide representation.

Receives and investigates complaints pertaining to business and regulatory license violations.   Refers consumers to appropriate agencies for complaints outside the agency's jurisdiction.