Filing a Consumer Complaint in Louisiana

Consumers can file a consumer dispute with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section using the online form, or by mailing or faxing the printable form with supporting documents. The office may refer the matter to another agency or forward the dispute and documents to the company; if the company responds, the office reviews the response and sends a copy to the consumer. The office says it cannot act as the consumer's attorney, a court or a legal advisor, and it does not handle disputes involving airlines, utilities, insurance claims, public officials or agencies, child support, employer-employee issues or licensed professionals. Questions can go to the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-351-4889.

The Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law declares unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A person who loses money or movable property because of an unlawful practice may sue individually (not as a class representative) for actual damages. If the court finds the practice was knowingly used after the Attorney General gave notice, the court must award three times actual damages. When damages are awarded, the court must also award reasonable attorney fees and costs; a defendant may get fees if the suit was groundless and brought in bad faith or to harass. The claim must be filed within one year from the transaction or act that gave rise to it.