File a Consumer Complaint
The Complaint Process
The Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General's Office enforces Alaska's consumer protection laws, which are aimed at preventing unfair or deceptive trade practices. Most people, at some point in their lives, will encounter an unscrupulous salesperson, purchase a defective or unsafe product, or simply feel like they have been taken advantage of.
One means we use to learn about such practices is through consumer complaints filed with our office. If you believe you've been the victim of an unfair or deceptive act or practice, or if you want to report an act or practice that you think is unfair or deceptive, we encourage you to file a consumer complaint. When possible, it is preferable that you try to resolve a dispute before you file a complaint with us. For more information see "How to Handle Your Own Complaint."
In most cases, we attempt to resolve consumer complaints through informal mediation. We also review complaints looking for patterns of unfair or deceptive conduct that may require formal investigation or enforcement actions. We do not act as private attorneys or provide legal representation or advice to consumers. If you want to file a consumer complaint, you may do so by completing a Consumer Complaint.
Instructions and important information
- Attach copies of documents related to the transaction described in the complaint, including any contracts, invoices or receipts.
- We will review your complaint, and in most cases, forward it to the business you are complaining about for a response.
- If your complaint falls under the jurisdiction of another agency, we will let you know and provide you with the contact information for that agency.
- You may not receive any further communication from us until your complaint is closed. It may also take several weeks or months for us to review your complaint, depending on the nature of your complaint and our workload.
- Although we try to assist all consumers, the fact that we may not be able to directly assist you does not reflect on the validity of your complaint. Your complaint information will remain in our database, and will help us monitor questionable business practices and determine priorities in our enforcement efforts and legislative recommendations.
- If you prefer to fill out and submit a paper or PDF complaint, you may download a standard consumer complaint form (PDF 697KB) or a motor vehicle complaint form (PDF 870KB).