What Does the Attorney General Do?
Quick Summary
The Attorney General (AG) is the chief legal officer for a state or the federal government. AGs enforce consumer protection laws, prosecute fraud, investigate unfair business practices, represent the state/federal government in legal matters, and defend state/federal laws in court. Citizens can file complaints with their state AG about scams, fraud, and consumer issues.
Table of Contents
Overview of Attorney General Role
The Attorney General serves as the top law enforcement official and chief legal advisor for their jurisdiction. There are two levels of Attorney Generals in the United States:
- U.S. Attorney General: Head of the U.S. Department of Justice, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
- State Attorneys General: Chief legal officers for each of the 50 states, most elected by voters (43 states), some appointed by governor or legislature (7 states)
While their specific responsibilities vary, all Attorney Generals share core functions related to legal representation, law enforcement oversight, and public protection.
U.S. Attorney General (Federal Level)
The U.S. Attorney General heads the Department of Justice and is a member of the President's Cabinet. Key responsibilities include:
Department Oversight
Supervises the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, federal prosecutors (U.S. Attorneys), and all DOJ divisions including Civil Rights, Antitrust, and Criminal.
Federal Law Enforcement
Oversees prosecution of federal crimes including terrorism, organized crime, white-collar crime, public corruption, and civil rights violations.
Legal Counsel
Advises the President and executive branch agencies on legal matters, represents the United States in Supreme Court cases, and defends federal laws.
Policy Leadership
Sets DOJ priorities, issues legal opinions, implements federal law enforcement policies, and coordinates with state and local law enforcement.
State Attorney Generals
State AGs are the primary point of contact for consumer protection issues. Each state AG office is independent and serves the citizens of that state.
Core State AG Responsibilities
Consumer Protection
Investigate and prosecute consumer fraud, scams, deceptive advertising, price gouging, data breaches, and unfair business practices. This is the most visible AG function for citizens.
State Legal Representation
Represent the state in lawsuits, defend state laws when challenged, represent state agencies, and handle appeals in criminal cases.
Criminal Appeals
Handle criminal appeals when lower court convictions are challenged, though local prosecutors (District Attorneys) handle trials.
Multistate Actions
Coordinate with other state AGs on nationwide cases, such as pharmaceutical company settlements, data breach investigations, and antitrust enforcement.
Legal Opinions
Issue formal legal opinions interpreting state laws for government officials, agencies, and sometimes the public.
Charitable Oversight
Register and monitor charitable organizations, investigate charity fraud, and ensure donations are used properly.
Consumer Protection Functions
Consumer protection is the most common reason individuals contact their state Attorney General. Here's what AGs can do:
Types of Consumer Issues AGs Handle
- Deceptive advertising: False claims, misleading promotions, bait-and-switch tactics
- Fraud and scams: Telemarketing fraud, internet scams, investment fraud, identity theft
- Unfair business practices: Discriminatory pricing, refusal to honor warranties, contract violations
- Debt collection abuse: Harassment, false threats, contact with third parties
- Auto sales issues: Lemon law violations, odometer fraud, title washing
- Home improvement fraud: Unlicensed contractors, abandoned projects, substandard work
- Price gouging: Excessive price increases during emergencies
- Data breaches: Company failure to protect consumer data, inadequate breach notification
- Utility complaints: Billing disputes, service termination issues
- Landlord-tenant disputes: Security deposit issues, habitability problems (in some states)
How AGs Respond to Consumer Complaints
Mediation & Resolution
AG staff may contact the business on your behalf to seek voluntary resolution, refunds, or policy changes.
Pattern Investigation
Multiple complaints about the same business trigger investigations into systemic fraud or illegal practices.
Legal Action
AGs can sue businesses for injunctions, restitution for victims, civil penalties, and changes to business practices.
Consumer Education
Complaint data informs public alerts, scam warnings, and consumer education campaigns.
Fraud Investigation & Prosecution
State AGs have significant law enforcement powers to investigate and prosecute fraud:
AG Fraud Enforcement Powers
- Subpoena power: Can compel testimony and documents from businesses
- Search warrants: Can execute search warrants in criminal fraud cases
- Civil lawsuits: Can file civil actions for injunctions, restitution, and penalties
- Criminal prosecution: Can criminally prosecute fraud in many states
- Consent decrees: Can negotiate settlements requiring business practice changes
- Asset freezes: Can seek court orders to freeze fraudulent actors' assets
Recent AG Enforcement Actions (2025)
Healthcare Fraud Takedown - 324 Defendants Charged
State and federal AGs coordinated the largest healthcare fraud takedown in DOJ history, charging defendants with over $14.6 billion in intended losses related to Medicare fraud, telemedicine fraud, and illegal kickbacks.
AI Impersonation Scam Crackdown
Multiple state AGs filed actions against companies using AI deepfakes and voice cloning for fraudulent crypto promotions, fake celebrity endorsements, and romance scams. FTC also strengthened rules against AI impersonation.
Data Privacy Enforcement
State AGs in California, New York, Illinois, and other states secured hundreds of millions in settlements from tech companies for privacy violations, inadequate data security, and failure to properly notify consumers of breaches.
Legal Representation of the State
Beyond consumer protection, AGs serve as the state's lawyer:
- Defend state laws: When state statutes are challenged in court, the AG defends their constitutionality
- Represent state agencies: Serve as legal counsel for all state departments and agencies
- Handle appeals: Represent the state in criminal appeals and civil litigation appeals
- Multistate litigation: Join other states in challenging federal overreach or defending state interests
- Antitrust enforcement: Enforce state and federal antitrust laws against monopolistic practices
- Environmental protection: Enforce environmental laws, often in coordination with state environmental agencies
What Attorney Generals CANNOT Do
Understanding AG limitations helps set realistic expectations:
AGs Cannot:
- ❌ Serve as your personal attorney or provide individual legal advice
- ❌ Represent you in private lawsuits against businesses or individuals
- ❌ Force a business to give you a refund (but can pursue broader enforcement)
- ❌ Overturn court decisions or intervene in private civil cases
- ❌ Investigate or prosecute every individual complaint (prioritize patterns)
- ❌ Handle matters outside their jurisdiction (federal issues, other states)
- ❌ Override federal law or agency decisions
- ❌ Guarantee resolution of your individual consumer problem
When AG Cannot Help, Try:
- Small claims court: Sue for money damages up to your state's limit ($3,000-$25,000)
- Private attorney: Hire a lawyer for complex cases or large amounts
- Better Business Bureau: BBB mediation for business disputes
- Federal agencies: FTC (fraud), CFPB (financial), FCC (telecom), etc.
- Professional licensing boards: For complaints against licensed professionals
Attorney General vs District Attorney vs Prosecutor
These roles are often confused. Here's the breakdown:
| Role | Jurisdiction | Primary Function | How Selected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney General | Statewide | Consumer protection, state legal representation, criminal appeals, multistate cases | Elected (most states) or appointed |
| District Attorney (DA) | County/District | Prosecute criminal cases at trial level, work with local police | Elected |
| State's Attorney / Prosecutor | County/District | Same as DA (different title in some states) | Elected or appointed |
| U.S. Attorney | Federal District | Prosecute federal crimes within district | Appointed by President |
- Consumer fraud/scams: State Attorney General
- Local crimes (assault, theft, etc.): Call police, case goes to District Attorney
- Federal crimes (mail fraud, terrorism): FBI, handled by U.S. Attorney
How to Contact Your Attorney General
Each state has different processes for filing complaints and contacting the AG office:
Online Complaint Forms
Most state AGs offer online complaint submission. This is the fastest method and creates an immediate record.
Find your state's form →Phone Hotlines
Many states have consumer complaint hotlines staffed during business hours. Some offer multilingual support.
State phone numbers →You can mail written complaints with documentation. Keep copies of everything you send.
Mailing addresses →In-Person Offices
Some states have regional AG offices where you can file complaints in person or get assistance.
Office locations →What to Include in Your Complaint
- Your contact information
- Business name, address, phone, website
- Detailed description of what happened
- Timeline of events
- Copies of receipts, contracts, emails, ads
- Amount of money lost
- Resolution you're seeking
- Documentation of attempts to resolve directly
Related Resources
File a Complaint
Step-by-step instructions for filing an Attorney General complaint
File complaint guide →