Filing a Consumer Complaint in Rhode Island
How to report a business to the Rhode Island Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit using the online form, or by calling 401-274-4400 (prompt 1). Complaints are handled in the order received; Rhode Island Attorney General, File a Consumer Complaint
| Filing a complaint | Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit using the online form, or by calling 401-274-4400 (prompt 1). Complaints are handled in the order received; an investigator will contact the consumer, and complaints within another agency's jurisdiction are referred. The office says it helps resolve complaints against businesses, from small overcharges to amounts in the thousands of dollars, but cannot act as a consumer's private attorney. Overview: https://riag.ri.gov/what-we-do/protect-rhode-island-consumers |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | Rhode Island's Deceptive Trade Practices Act declares unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A person who buys or leases goods or services mainly for personal, family or household purposes and suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property may sue for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; the court may award three times actual damages, equitable relief, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Class actions are allowed, and the court clerk sends a copy of the complaint to the Attorney General. |
Where to get help in Rhode Island
More Rhode Island consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Rhode Island
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Rhode Island
- Contractors and Repair Shops in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Rhode Island?
Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit using the online form, or by calling 401-274-4400 (prompt 1). Complaints are handled in the order received; an investigator will contact the consumer, and complaints within another agency's jurisdiction are referred. The office says it helps resolve complaints against businesses, from small overcharges to amounts in the thousands of dollars, but cannot act as a consumer's private attorney.
What is the consumer protection law in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's Deceptive Trade Practices Act declares unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A person who buys or leases goods or services mainly for personal, family or household purposes and suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property may sue for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; the court may award three times actual damages, equitable relief, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Class actions are allowed, and the court clerk sends a copy of the complaint to the Attorney General.
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.