Filing a Consumer Complaint in Virginia
How to report a business to the Virginia 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 Section online (preferred) or by mailing a printable form (English or Spanish) to 202 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (fax 804-225-4378). Virginia Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section, File a Complaint
| Filing a complaint | Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section online (preferred) or by mailing a printable form (English or Spanish) to 202 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (fax 804-225-4378). Check the Agency Search first, since some complaints belong to other agencies. The office forwards complaints to businesses for a response and offers voluntary alternative dispute resolution for complaints that do not appear to involve a legal violation. Hotline: 1-800-552-9963 in Virginia, or (804) 786-2042 from Richmond or outside Virginia. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | The Virginia Consumer Protection Act lists prohibited practices by suppliers in consumer transactions, including misrepresentations and violations of related consumer laws (such as the Home Solicitation Sales Act and Automobile Repair Facilities Act). A person who suffers loss may sue for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; if the violation was willful, damages may be increased up to three times actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater. The court may also award reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs. Special rules apply if the business makes a timely cure offer. Source: Va. Code §§ 59.1-200, 59.1-204 |
Where to get help in Virginia
More Virginia consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Virginia
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Virginia
- Contractors and Repair Shops in Virginia
- All Virginia consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Virginia?
Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section online (preferred) or by mailing a printable form (English or Spanish) to 202 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (fax 804-225-4378). Check the Agency Search first, since some complaints belong to other agencies. The office forwards complaints to businesses for a response and offers voluntary alternative dispute resolution for complaints that do not appear to involve a legal violation. Hotline: 1-800-552-9963 in Virginia, or (804) 786-2042 from Richmond or outside Virginia.
What is the consumer protection law in Virginia?
The Virginia Consumer Protection Act lists prohibited practices by suppliers in consumer transactions, including misrepresentations and violations of related consumer laws (such as the Home Solicitation Sales Act and Automobile Repair Facilities Act). A person who suffers loss may sue for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; if the violation was willful, damages may be increased up to three times actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater. The court may also award reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs. Special rules apply if the business makes a timely cure offer.
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.