Where do you turn for help when you and a company disagree?
Some companies ask for large upfront fees for dispute resolution services, but other organizations offer free help.
For example, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides a free informal dispute resolution process to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses.
If you have a problem with goods or services you purchased, file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
The office will review your complaint to determine whether the Attorney General is the best agency to handle the complaint. If so, your complaint will be assigned to a specialist, who will work with you and the business to settle the dispute. The process generally takes 30 to 90 days and is also available to small businesses and nonprofits.
Top consumer complaint categories include:
- Motorized vehicles: new and used vehicle sales, title issues, repairs, warranties
- Collections, credit reporting, or financial services: debt collection, credit repair
- Internet or phone: Do Not Call issues, Internet/cable provider, wireless service
- Household goods or property improvement: roofing, paving, furniture, appliances
- Mortgage: foreclosure rescue or loan modification services
- Shopping, food or beverages: online shopping, TV shopping, stores, gift cards
- Professional services: tax services, landscaping
- Sweepstakes or prizes: foreign lottery scams, fake check scams, contests
File a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConsumerComplaint. Hard copy forms are also available.
The Better Business Bureau also offers free dispute resolution for consumers. Learn more about this service at
www.bbb.org.
Think twice before you pay a business for services that are available elsewhere at no cost.
Links:
File a complaint - Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Learn more about BBB free dispute resolution for consumers
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