Services for the Consumer
The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) protects Georgia consumers and the legitimate business community in a number of ways:
Investigating consumer complaints. Complaints filed with this agency alleging fraud may form the basis for an investigation into a company’s business practices. A significant quantity of complaints about a business may give rise to legal action—not on behalf of the individual complainants, but to enforce state law. The decision to investigate or file a lawsuit is based on a variety of factors.
OCA also serves as an information resource in the self-help Lemon Law complaint process and provides arbitration hearings for those eligible consumers whose motor vehicles have not been repaired by the manufacturer in a satisfactory manner.
Filing civil lawsuits in the superior courts on behalf of the State of Georgia and the public good, under the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act and other consumer protection statutes. While this agency cannot represent individual consumers, some legal actions do produce restitution for individuals, as well as serving as a deterrent to other potential violators. You can read about some of our recent successes in 2006.
The Consumers’ Utility Counsel Division (CUC) also represents residential and small-business customers, as a class, in utility proceedings before the Georgia Public Service Commission and state and federal courts, particularly in rate cases. This helps to assure fairness and adequate competition. A report from the CUC lists its primary 2007 accomplishments.
OCA works to obtain reimbursement from businesses for consumer losses or obtain settlements concerning companies' future activity. We can issue hefty fines against those who violate consumer protection laws and seek greater penalties where the victims are elderly or disabled. Our office can order businesses to stop unfair or deceptive activities by issuing cease-and-desist orders. We can file legal action against companies or individuals operating in violation of Georgia law and seek injunctive relief, court-ordered civil penalties or other remedies.
Pursuing criminal charges against individuals or companies who commit fraud through identity theft, telemarketing, home repair, or a computer network such as the Internet. A few of the recent cases that resulted in criminal prosecution are spotlighted here.
Educating consumers — a vital part of our mission. We believe the best consumer protection is a widespread public awareness of consumers’ rights and of the most common snares in the marketplace. This knowledge helps people deal more effectively with businesses and make better choices and decisions. On this web site we are pleased to inform the reader about many different consumer issues, including alerts to new or urgent information.
Consumer Alerts - Press Releases, Notices and Product Recalls
Sample Complaint Letter to Send to a Business
Checking the Reliability or Reputation of a Business