Filing a Consumer Complaint in New Jersey
How to report a business to the New Jersey Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: The Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection handles consumer complaints. Its Consumer Service Center (973-504-6200 or 1-800-242-5846) is the central clearinghouse for complaints and referrals. N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs complaint form and "New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs" consumer brief (rev. 06/13/23)
| Filing a complaint | The Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection handles consumer complaints. Its Consumer Service Center (973-504-6200 or 1-800-242-5846) is the central clearinghouse for complaints and referrals. Consumers should first try to resolve the problem with the business, then file a written complaint with the Division using its complaint form, describing the problem, what has been done and what remedy is wanted, with copies (not originals) of receipts, contracts and other documents. Complaint forms may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Public Records Act. Mailing address on the form: P.O. Box 45025, Newark, NJ 07101. |
|---|---|
| Unfair and deceptive practices law | The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.) prohibits fraud, deception, misrepresentation and similar practices in the sale or advertisement of merchandise or real estate. Consumers can sue: anyone who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property because of an unlawful practice may bring an action or counterclaim, and the court must award three times the damages, plus reasonable attorneys' fees, filing fees and costs of suit. The Division of Consumer Affairs enforces the Act. Text from the Division of Consumer Affairs' courtesy copy of the Consumer Fraud Act (revised 3/30/2022), which states that the official statute governs if the two differ. Source: N.J.S.A. 56:8-2, 56:8-19 |
Where to get help in New Jersey
- New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs (Office of Consumer Protection)
- File a complaint or claim
More New Jersey consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in New Jersey
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in New Jersey
- Contractors and Repair Shops in New Jersey
- All New Jersey consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in New Jersey?
The Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection handles consumer complaints. Its Consumer Service Center (973-504-6200 or 1-800-242-5846) is the central clearinghouse for complaints and referrals. Consumers should first try to resolve the problem with the business, then file a written complaint with the Division using its complaint form, describing the problem, what has been done and what remedy is wanted, with copies (not originals) of receipts, contracts and other documents. Complaint forms may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Public Records Act.
What is the consumer protection law in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.) prohibits fraud, deception, misrepresentation and similar practices in the sale or advertisement of merchandise or real estate. Consumers can sue: anyone who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property because of an unlawful practice may bring an action or counterclaim, and the court must award three times the damages, plus reasonable attorneys' fees, filing fees and costs of suit. The Division of Consumer Affairs enforces the Act.
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.