Pennsylvania Attorney General
Quick Contact
Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-441-2555
Main Office: (717) 787-3391
Website: attorneygeneral.gov
File Complaint Online: Consumer Complaint Form
Office Locations
Harrisburg (Main Office)
Address:
Office of Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
15th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-3391
Bureau of Consumer Protection:
(717) 787-9707
Email:
consumers@attorneygeneral.gov
Philadelphia
Regional Office:
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Philadelphia, PA
Consumer Protection Hotline:
1-800-441-2555 (toll-free)
Pittsburgh
Regional Office:
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Pittsburgh, PA
Consumer Protection Hotline:
1-800-441-2555 (toll-free)
Additional Regional Offices
The Bureau of Consumer Protection also maintains offices in:
- Scranton
- Erie
- State College
All Offices: 1-800-441-2555
How to File a Consumer Complaint in Pennsylvania
Online Filing (Recommended)
- Visit Pennsylvania AG Consumer Complaint Portal
- Complete all required fields with detailed information
- Describe your complaint thoroughly, including dates, amounts, and parties involved
- Upload supporting documents (receipts, contracts, correspondence)
- Submit and save your confirmation number
Response time: The Bureau of Consumer Protection typically reviews complaints within 30-60 days. Complex cases may require additional time for investigation.
By Phone
Call the Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-441-2555 (toll-free)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Staff can assist with:
- Consumer complaint filing assistance
- Questions about Pennsylvania consumer protection laws
- Complaint status inquiries
- General consumer rights information
- Referrals to other agencies when appropriate
By Mail
Download and complete a consumer complaint form or write a detailed letter.
Mail to:
Office of Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
15th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Include: Copies of all supporting documentation (receipts, contracts, correspondence, advertisements).
By Email
You can also email consumer complaints to:
Email: consumers@attorneygeneral.gov
Include all relevant details and attach supporting documents.
Pennsylvania Consumer Protection Priorities
Consumer Financial Protection
Pennsylvania has significantly expanded consumer financial protection, especially in response to federal CFPB cutbacks. The Consumer Financial Protection Unit has secured over $374 million in relief for PA consumers since July 2017.
Unfair & Deceptive Practices
Pennsylvania enforces the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL), one of the nation's most comprehensive consumer protection statutes.
Data Breach Protection
PA AG launched an online portal for companies to report data breaches affecting Pennsylvanians, enabling better tracking and investigation of privacy violations.
Auto Title Lending & Financial Services
Active enforcement against predatory lending practices, including fake physical addresses and false customer reviews to push high-interest loans.
Recent Pennsylvania AG Consumer Actions
2024 Enforcement Highlights
- Consumer Protection Savings: Bureau of Consumer Protection saved consumers more than $11.8 million through mediation efforts in 2024
- Legal Action Restitution: Secured $4.8 million in restitution through legal actions in 2024
- GPGL Holdings (Fast Money Car Title Loans): Settlement resolving allegations of fake physical addresses and false customer reviews to push high-interest loans
- SoLo Funds Settlement: $158,000 in restitution distributed to consumers, with other borrowers receiving total debt write-offs for soliciting illegal tips and donations
- Equifax Coding Error: $470,000 settlement for Pennsylvania after coding error lowered credit scores of 51,000+ PA borrowers
- A.R. Building Company: $35,000 returned to tenants for unlawful billing, leasing, and debt collection practices
- Timeshare Settlement (July 2024): $5,000 in civil penalties, $50,000 in costs, and up to $250,000 in restitution for denying property access and charging maintenance fees
- Since July 2017: Consumer Financial Protection Unit has secured over $374 million in relief for Pennsylvania consumers
Pennsylvania-Specific Consumer Laws
- Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL): Comprehensive prohibition of unfair or deceptive acts in consumer transactions
- Pennsylvania Lemon Law: Protection for purchasers of defective new vehicles
- Automobile Lemon Law: Covers new and certain used vehicles with substantial defects
- Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA): Requirements for contractors including written contracts and registration
- Telemarketer Registration Act: Regulates telemarketing activities in Pennsylvania
- Credit Services Act: Regulation of credit repair and credit services organizations
- Debt Collection Regulations: Rules governing debt collector behavior under UTPCPL
- Breach of Personal Information Notification Act: Requires notification when personal information is compromised
What Pennsylvania AG Can Help With
Consumer Fraud & Scams
- Deceptive advertising
- False representations
- Identity theft
- Internet and phone scams
- Investment fraud
Business Practices
- Unfair trade practices
- Contract violations
- Warranty issues
- Bait and switch tactics
- Refund problems
Specific Industries
- Auto dealers and Lemon Law
- Home improvement contractors
- Debt collection abuse
- Credit services and repair
- Telemarketing violations
Financial Services
- Predatory lending
- Credit reporting errors
- Mortgage fraud
- Student loan servicer issues
- Auto title lending fraud
What Pennsylvania AG Does NOT Handle
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office cannot help with:
- Private disputes between individuals
- Cases currently pending in court
- Employment or labor disputes
- Federal agency complaints (IRS, Social Security, Medicare, etc.)
- Landlord-tenant disputes (contact local district justice)
- Banking or insurance regulation (contact PA Department of Banking and Securities or Insurance Department)
- Utilities complaints (contact PA Public Utility Commission)
- Professional malpractice
Note: For matters outside the AG's jurisdiction, you may need to consult a private attorney or contact the appropriate regulatory agency.
Common Complaint Types in Pennsylvania
Frequently Reported Issues
- Home improvement and contractor fraud
- Auto sales and repair problems
- Debt collection harassment
- Identity theft and data breaches
- Internet purchase and delivery issues
- Credit reporting errors
- Telemarketing and robocalls
- Landlord-tenant billing disputes
- Financial services and lending
- Timeshare and vacation clubs
Additional Pennsylvania AG Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process my complaint?
The Bureau of Consumer Protection typically reviews complaints within 30-60 days. Complex investigations may take longer. You can check your complaint status by calling the consumer protection hotline.
Will the Attorney General represent me in court?
No. The Attorney General's Office cannot provide individual legal representation or act as your private attorney. The office investigates patterns of unlawful conduct affecting multiple consumers and can take enforcement action against businesses violating Pennsylvania law.
What happens after I file a complaint?
Your complaint is reviewed by the Bureau of Consumer Protection. It may be: (1) forwarded to the business for response and potential mediation, (2) added to a database to identify patterns of violations, or (3) used as part of a larger investigation if multiple consumers report similar issues.
Can I get help with mediation?
Yes. In 2024, the Bureau of Consumer Protection saved consumers more than $11.8 million through mediation efforts. The AG's office can facilitate communication between you and the business to try to resolve your complaint.