Filing a Consumer Complaint in Texas

Consumers can file a complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by choosing the complaint form that fits their problem. Have the business's name and full address, a detailed description, dates and amounts, contract and payment information, and any steps taken to resolve it; supporting documents may be uploaded. Complaints are open to the public under Texas law, and the Attorney General cannot give legal advice. A confirmation email with a complaint number is sent after filing.

The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) lists specific false, misleading or deceptive acts. A consumer may sue when a listed deceptive practice the consumer relied on, a breach of warranty, or an unconscionable action is a producing cause of economic damages or mental anguish. A winning consumer recovers economic damages plus court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; if the conduct was knowing, the consumer may also recover mental anguish damages and up to three times economic damages, and if intentional, up to three times economic and mental anguish damages. A court must award the defendant fees if the suit was groundless, in bad faith or for harassment.