Filing a Consumer Complaint in North Carolina
How to report a business to the North Carolina 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's Consumer Protection Division online, or call 877-5-NO-SCAM (919-716-6000 from outside North Carolina; 919-716-0058 en español). N.C. Department of Justice, Consumer Complaint
| Filing a complaint | File a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division online, or call 877-5-NO-SCAM (919-716-6000 from outside North Carolina; 919-716-0058 en español). The office reviews the complaint, usually forwards it to the business for a response, and works with both sides toward a resolution through mediation. It cannot act as your personal attorney or sue just to recover your money; if mediation fails it may suggest small claims court or a private attorney, and a pattern of complaints can lead to legal action on the public's behalf. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | North Carolina's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act declares unlawful unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce (professional services by members of a learned profession are excluded). A person injured by a violation may sue, and any damages awarded are trebled (tripled). The judge may award reasonable attorney fees if the business willfully engaged in the practice and refused to fully resolve the matter, or against a person who brought a frivolous and malicious case. A lawsuit generally must be filed within four years after the claim arises. |
Where to get help in North Carolina
- North Carolina Department of Justice (Attorney General), Consumer Protection Division
- File a complaint or claim
More North Carolina consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in North Carolina
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in North Carolina
- Contractors and Repair Shops in North Carolina
- All North Carolina consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in North Carolina?
File a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division online, or call 877-5-NO-SCAM (919-716-6000 from outside North Carolina; 919-716-0058 en español). The office reviews the complaint, usually forwards it to the business for a response, and works with both sides toward a resolution through mediation. It cannot act as your personal attorney or sue just to recover your money; if mediation fails it may suggest small claims court or a private attorney, and a pattern of complaints can lead to legal action on the public's behalf.
What is the consumer protection law in North Carolina?
North Carolina's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act declares unlawful unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce (professional services by members of a learned profession are excluded). A person injured by a violation may sue, and any damages awarded are trebled (tripled). The judge may award reasonable attorney fees if the business willfully engaged in the practice and refused to fully resolve the matter, or against a person who brought a frivolous and malicious case. A lawsuit generally must be filed within four years after the claim arises.
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.