Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General-Consumer Protection - Harrisburg, PA

Bureau of Consumer Protection: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

Protecting Pennsylvania Consumers

The Bureau of Consumer Protection, headquartered within Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg, is the primary agency responsible for shielding Pennsylvania citizens from unfair business practices and deceptive conduct. Operating under the Office of Attorney General, this bureau mediates thousands of complaints annually, ranging from home improvement scams and used car sales to telemarketing fraud and identity theft. While the office serves as a powerful advocate for the public interest, it also provides educational resources to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to fraud.

• Complaint Mediation: A voluntary process where agents attempt to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses without legal action.
• Identity Theft Support: Assisting victims in recovering their financial security and navigating the reporting process.
• Do Not Call List: Managing the registry to protect residents from unwanted telemarketing calls.
• Health Care Section: Investigating unfair practices in the healthcare industry to ensure patient rights are respected.

Filing a Complaint

Consumers can file complaints online or by mail. The bureau reviews every submission to determine if it falls within its jurisdiction. While the Attorney General cannot act as a private attorney for individuals, patterns of complaints can lead to legal action against offending businesses on behalf of the Commonwealth. The office also enforces the ”Lemon Law” for new vehicle defects and oversees the registration of home improvement contractors. 🛑 📞 📝

Location and Access

Located on the 15th floor of Strawberry Square, the office is easily accessible from the Capitol Complex. Visitors must pass through building security to access the elevators. The bureau encourages consumers to attempt to resolve issues directly with the business before seeking government intervention, but stands ready to assist when those efforts fail.