Pennsylvania Consumer Protection

The Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General's Public Protection Division is the first place you should go for guidance in consumer matters. Don't wait until it is your last resort for getting help. Use their resources to keep you from falling victim to fraud or unfair business practices. There are several different areas that can help.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) investigates and mediates consumer complaints. By law, BCP cannot act as your attorney, but if there are a number of complaints against the same business and it would benefit the Commonwealth, the Attorney General may take legal action. If you believe you were unfairly treated by a business and you were unable to resolve the problem yourself, you can file a complaint with BCP. The Bureau of Consumer Protection has offices located throughout the state.

The Health Care Section focuses on protecting Pennsylvania residents from unfair health care practices. Those who believe they were unfairly denied medical treatment by Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), managed care or other health insurers can receive help by filing a complaint with the Attorney General's Health Care Section. The Health Care Section helps Pennsylvanians get around barriers and secure the treatment they need. The Health Care Section is located in Harrisburg.

The Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section makes sure that charities raise and spend donations legally. This section also oversees nonprofit corporations, and monitors the actions of executors and trustees in wills and trusts containing charitable gifts. Attorneys in the Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section also conduct seminars for the public on charities. This section has offices located in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.

The Civil Rights Enforcement Section takes the lead handling investigations and complaints of Civil Rights violations to include race, religion or gender. Their efforts may lead to legal action or a referral to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other government agencies. This section is located in Harrisburg.

The Tobacco Enforcement Section promotes the health of Pennsylvania citizens by working to decrease the incidence of smoking throughout the Commonwealth. Primary roles of this section include enforcing restrictions placed upon the Tobacco Industry in marketing, advertising, promotions, and sponsorship; and working to make current laws dealing with tobacco issues work more effectively in Pennsylvania. This section is located in Harrisburg.

If you need assistance and there isn't an office near you, you can write to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, 14th Floor Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120 or call at 717-787-9716.