FAQ > Filing a Complaint on Behalf of a Business FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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A product my business purchased was not of the quality advertised, and the seller has refused to allow us to return the product. Now we are out the money and stuck with the useless item. Can the Attorney General get my money back?

The Attorney General can assist by providing informal dispute resolution. Although we cannot guarantee a favorable outcome, the office is very successful in helping Ohioans through this process. File a complaint with the Attorney General or by calling 800-282-0515.

How can the Attorney General’s Office help my small business resolve problems we have in the marketplace?

The Attorney General works to resolve problems through informal dispute resolution. We contact the supplier with whom you have a dispute and ask that business to offer a solution that is agreeable to you. Because small businesses may not have the time and resources to take on others that have wronged them, the Attorney General’s Office stands up for small businesses that have been treated unfairly and attempts to resolve such problems.

The Attorney General’s Office also may take legal action against suppliers that exhibit a pattern of unfair and deceptive behavior. If we do take legal action against suppliers, your complaint may serve as the basis for that action and be used as evidence against them.

While it isn’t practical to take legal action in all disputes reported to our office, we work to bring the supplier into compliance if we observe an actionable pattern of unlawful behavior. This sometimes includes filing a lawsuit. We do not represent individual consumers or businesses, but rather act on behalf of the public in representing the state of Ohio.

My business entered into a contract to provide another company with certain goods or services. The company accepted the goods or services, but has failed to pay the associated charges. What recourse do we have?

Because this involves a breach of contract, you should contact private legal counsel.  If you do not have an attorney, your local bar association can make a referral.

My business received an invoice for copier toner. This purchase was not recorded or approved. How can the Attorney General help?
The Attorney General can provide informal dispute resolution for this matter on your business’s behalf. File a complaint with the Attorney General or by calling 800-282-0515.

My company is facing a lawsuit for breach of contract. Can the Attorney General provide legal assistance with this matter?

No, the Attorney General cannot act as private legal counsel for individuals or businesses. If you do not have an attorney, your local bar association can make a referral.

Our business provided repairs to an individual who didn’t pay or paid with a bad check. Can the Attorney General collect on our behalf?

No, the Attorney General cannot pursue collection on behalf of a business or individual. If the complaint is against another business, please contact your local Better Business Bureau. You also may seek private counsel from an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, your local bar association can make a referral.

We have taken a company to court because of shoddy workmanship. The judge ruled in our favor and awarded a judgment against the company. Even with the judgment in place, the company has not returned our money. Can the Attorney General help us collect this judgment?

The Attorney General cannot assist in a matter of this nature. We suggest you contact the court in which the judgment was awarded for information on how to collect.

What business-related problems can the Attorney General’s Office not help me with?

Because the office only handles complaints about the solicitation or purchase of goods or services, we cannot help if your business has not been paid for goods or services that you provided to another business. For example, if you own a landscaping company and perform a service for a business or residential client who then refuses to pay you, the Attorney General’s Office cannot intervene. If you have a complaint of this nature with another business, you should contact your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) or seek private counsel from an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, your local bar association can make a referral.

Also, the Attorney General’s Office cannot resolve situations in which an employee or business partner defrauds your business. In this case, you should contact local law enforcement and seek private counsel.

What problems can the Attorney General’s Office help small businesses resolve?

The Attorney General’s Office accepts complaints from businesses that have been victims of unfair, deceptive or fraudulent business transactions. A business transaction occurs when you purchase — or are solicited to purchase — goods or services from another business. This can include buying office supplies, hiring a locksmith, securing advertising, having a Web site built or any number of other things.

These transactions can go wrong at various junctures: when you order a product that’s not delivered, you are charged for a purchase you didn’t authorize, the quality of the product is poor, you were overcharged, etc. If you are the victim of an unfair or deceptive business transaction, you should file a complaint with the Attorney General.

File a complaint with the Attorney General or by calling 800-282-0515.