Mississippi Consumer Protection

The mission of the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General's Office is to help protect Mississippi consumers against "unfair, false, deceptive, misleading, or unconscionable" business practices. The division works with Mississippi residents in three distinct ways, education, advocacy, and prevention or prosecution of fraudulent activities directed against Mississippi consumers. You can contact them at the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General at P.O. Box 22947, Jackson, Mississippi 39225-2947. Their telephone is (601) 359-4230 or in Mississippi 1-800-281-4418. Their Telefax is (601) 359-4231.

The Consumer Education branch helps the public learn about possible scams and actual scams being used in Mississippi so hopefully you can avoid problems before they occur. Consumer Education staff presents programs to consumers across the state, and through educational literature, on consumer rights and concerns. You can write to the above address or call and inquire about brochures that will help you prevent fraud. They will be glad to come and speak to your group or club, etc. about business fraud and ways of protecting yourself against it. Examples of what they may address include (1) not being taken in by phony prize offers. It's not a prize if you must spend your own money by buying something else or paying for "shipping and handling" that turns out to cost more than the "free" prize is worth, (2) the three-day right to cancel mainly applies to credit or cash transactions from face-to-face contact (like door-to-door sales), not in a store and it does not apply to vehicles, (3) Mississippi does not regulate refund or return policies, and (4) your credit report is basically an open book for anyone with even a remote need to know your credit status. Your employer, landlord, bank, and insurance company probably know more about your credit rating than you do.

The Consumer Advocacy staff investigates and mediates consumer complaints and seeks to remedy disputes in the consumer's favor. The Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection can investigate allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a Mississippi business. However, it can't act as your private attorney in a dispute with a business. This office has a good track record of successful mediating of disputes between a consumer and a business. In order for a case to be opened, you must complete an official complaint form available at the Attorney General web site or through the mail, and mail that form with copies of all correspondence, receipts, etc. to the address above. Before contacting the Consumer Complaint Division you have to try to resolve the complaint yourself. This may be frustrating but stay polite and avoid getting into any arguments. As you will have to do with the Consumer Protection Division, state your case using your receipt, guarantee, warranty, or any other documents that help your case. If possible, take the product with you. If you are told by a salesperson that he cannot help you, ask to speak with someone such as the manager or owner. If you have to use mail to present your complaint to the business, give the brand, model, size, color, and any other details needed to identify the product. Clearly describe your problem and state the remedy you want the business to make. Send your letter by certified mail. Always keep a copy of all correspondence you send or receive. If you return a product by mail, be sure to have it fully insured for the price you paid. If your attempts fail then definitely contact the Attorney General's Office for additional assistance.

The Consumer Fraud division actively pursues violators of the Mississippi consumer laws. The investigations are often long with the legal actions taken against businesses who practice deceptive business methods lasting many years. However, it is still the best way of preventing a business from continuing to prey on Mississippi residents.