Filing a Consumer Complaint in Missouri
How to report a business to the Missouri Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: File a consumer complaint with the Attorney General online, by mail using the PDF complaint form, or in person; there is no fee. Include copies (not originals) of contracts, receipts and other records. Missouri Attorney General, Consumer Protection (FAQ)
| Filing a complaint | File a consumer complaint with the Attorney General online, by mail using the PDF complaint form, or in person; there is no fee. Include copies (not originals) of contracts, receipts and other records. The office sends the complaint to the business and asks for a response, and a complaint advocate tries to resolve it through mediation; consumers can expect a first response within about 30 days. The Consumer Protection Hotline is 800-392-8222. The Attorney General cannot act as your private lawyer. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act makes it unlawful to use deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, unfair practices, or concealment or omission of a material fact in connection with the sale or advertisement of merchandise. A person who buys or leases merchandise mainly for personal, family or household purposes and suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property can sue to recover actual damages. The person must show they acted as a reasonable consumer would and prove individual damages with sufficiently definite evidence. The court may, in its discretion, award punitive damages and attorney's fees. Class actions are allowed. |
Where to get help in Missouri
More Missouri consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Missouri
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Missouri
- All Missouri consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Missouri?
File a consumer complaint with the Attorney General online, by mail using the PDF complaint form, or in person; there is no fee. Include copies (not originals) of contracts, receipts and other records. The office sends the complaint to the business and asks for a response, and a complaint advocate tries to resolve it through mediation; consumers can expect a first response within about 30 days. The Consumer Protection Hotline is 800-392-8222. The Attorney General cannot act as your private lawyer.
What is the consumer protection law in Missouri?
The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act makes it unlawful to use deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, unfair practices, or concealment or omission of a material fact in connection with the sale or advertisement of merchandise. A person who buys or leases merchandise mainly for personal, family or household purposes and suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property can sue to recover actual damages. The person must show they acted as a reasonable consumer would and prove individual damages with sufficiently definite evidence. The court may, in its discretion, award punitive damages and attorney's fees. Class actions are allowed.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.