Filing a Consumer Complaint in New Mexico
How to report a business to the New Mexico Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: The New Mexico Department of Justice accepts consumer complaints and tips through a Guided Help tool, an electronic complaint and tip system, or a paper complaint form (English or Spanish) returned to one of its offices. N.M. Department of Justice, Submit a Complaint; Auto Purchasing Consumer Guide (2024)
| Filing a complaint | The New Mexico Department of Justice accepts consumer complaints and tips through a Guided Help tool, an electronic complaint and tip system, or a paper complaint form (English or Spanish) returned to one of its offices. The Department's auto-purchasing guide suggests that car buyers first complain to the Motor Vehicle Division and the dealers association's AUTOCAP program, then to the Department. The Department's Auto Purchasing guide lists 505-717-3500 for its Consumer Protection Division; a 2025 media alert lists 505-490-4060, option 3, for reporting price gouging. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | The New Mexico Unfair Practices Act (NMSA 1978, § 57-12-1 et seq.) prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices and unconscionable trade practices. Consumers can sue: a person who loses money or property because of a violation may recover actual damages or $100, whichever is greater, and if the practice was willful the court may award up to three times actual damages or $300, whichever is greater. A winning consumer is awarded attorney fees and costs (fees can be awarded against a consumer whose case was groundless). Injunctions and class actions are also available. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: NMSA 1978, §§ 57-12-2, 57-12-10 |
Where to get help in New Mexico
- New Mexico Department of Justice (Attorney General), Consumer Protection Bureau
- File a complaint or claim
More New Mexico consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in New Mexico
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in New Mexico
- Contractors and Repair Shops in New Mexico
- All New Mexico consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Department of Justice accepts consumer complaints and tips through a Guided Help tool, an electronic complaint and tip system, or a paper complaint form (English or Spanish) returned to one of its offices. The Department's auto-purchasing guide suggests that car buyers first complain to the Motor Vehicle Division and the dealers association's AUTOCAP program, then to the Department.
What is the consumer protection law in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Unfair Practices Act (NMSA 1978, § 57-12-1 et seq.) prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices and unconscionable trade practices. Consumers can sue: a person who loses money or property because of a violation may recover actual damages or $100, whichever is greater, and if the practice was willful the court may award up to three times actual damages or $300, whichever is greater. A winning consumer is awarded attorney fees and costs (fees can be awarded against a consumer whose case was groundless). Injunctions and class actions are also available.
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.