Filing a Consumer Complaint in Ohio
How to report a business to the Ohio Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: Consumers can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section online or with a printable complaint form; Ohio Attorney General, File a Consumer Complaint
| Filing a complaint | Consumers can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section online or with a printable complaint form; the office also takes complaints about unwanted phone calls, offers live chat for basic guidance, and lets the public search complaints and consumer lawsuits. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act prohibits suppliers from committing unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and unconscionable acts, in connection with a consumer transaction, whether before, during or after the transaction. Consumers may sue: in an individual action they may cancel (rescind) the transaction or recover actual economic damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages. If the practice was already declared deceptive or unconscionable by an Attorney General rule or a published Ohio court decision before the transaction, the consumer may recover three times actual economic damages or $200, whichever is greater, plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages. The court may award attorney's fees if the supplier knowingly violated the law. |
Where to get help in Ohio
More Ohio consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Ohio
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Ohio
- Contractors and Repair Shops in Ohio
- All Ohio consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Ohio?
Consumers can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section online or with a printable complaint form; the office also takes complaints about unwanted phone calls, offers live chat for basic guidance, and lets the public search complaints and consumer lawsuits.
What is the consumer protection law in Ohio?
The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act prohibits suppliers from committing unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and unconscionable acts, in connection with a consumer transaction, whether before, during or after the transaction. Consumers may sue: in an individual action they may cancel (rescind) the transaction or recover actual economic damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages. If the practice was already declared deceptive or unconscionable by an Attorney General rule or a published Ohio court decision before the transaction, the consumer may recover three times actual economic damages or $200, whichever is greater, plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages. The court may award attorney's fees if the supplier knowingly violated the law.
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.