Filing a Consumer Complaint in Montana
How to report a business to the Montana Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: The Office of Consumer Protection asks consumers to contact the business first. If that does not resolve the problem, file a complaint online, or download the complaint form and mail or fax it. Montana Office of Consumer Protection, Consumer Complaints
| Filing a complaint | The Office of Consumer Protection asks consumers to contact the business first. If that does not resolve the problem, file a complaint online, or download the complaint form and mail or fax it. Include the business's name and address, a detailed explanation, what you have done, and copies (not originals) of receipts, contracts and other documents. Investigators review the complaint and, if it falls under the office's authority, send it to the business for a response and to try to resolve the problem; otherwise it may be referred to another agency. Phone: 406-444-4500 or 800-481-6896. |
|---|---|
| Unfair and deceptive practices law | The Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act makes unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A consumer who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property may bring an individual lawsuit (not a class action) for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; the claim may be filed in justice's court. The court may not award punitive damages but may award up to three times actual damages if actual damages do not exceed $100,000, and may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees (capped at $250 an hour and not available if the consumer recovers $100,000 or more). Consumers bringing certain residential construction claims against a construction professional cannot use this section. |
Where to get help in Montana
More Montana consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Montana
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Montana
- Contractors and Repair Shops in Montana
- All Montana consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Montana?
The Office of Consumer Protection asks consumers to contact the business first. If that does not resolve the problem, file a complaint online, or download the complaint form and mail or fax it. Include the business's name and address, a detailed explanation, what you have done, and copies (not originals) of receipts, contracts and other documents. Investigators review the complaint and, if it falls under the office's authority, send it to the business for a response and to try to resolve the problem; otherwise it may be referred to another agency. Phone: 406-444-4500 or 800-481-6896.
What is the consumer protection law in Montana?
The Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act makes unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A consumer who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property may bring an individual lawsuit (not a class action) for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; the claim may be filed in justice's court. The court may not award punitive damages but may award up to three times actual damages if actual damages do not exceed $100,000, and may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees (capped at $250 an hour and not available if the consumer recovers $100,000 or more).
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.