Filing a Consumer Complaint in Washington
How to report a business to the Washington Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: Consumers can file a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or mail a paper form to the Consumer Resource Center, 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104. Washington Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
| Filing a complaint | Consumers can file a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or mail a paper form to the Consumer Resource Center, 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104. The Consumer Resource Center offers informal complaint resolution: it notifies the business of the written complaint and helps the two sides communicate to resolve it. A separate Lemon Law Program handles new-vehicle complaints. Phone: 1-800-551-4636 (Washington only) or 206-464-6684, weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Online complaint form: https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | Washington's Consumer Protection Act declares unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A person injured in their business or property by a violation may sue to stop further violations and recover actual damages plus costs and a reasonable attorney's fee. The court may increase damages up to three times actual damages, but the increased award for unfair or deceptive practices may not exceed $25,000. Source: RCW 19.86.020, 19.86.090 |
Where to get help in Washington
More Washington consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Washington
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Washington
- Contractors and Repair Shops in Washington
- All Washington consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Washington?
Consumers can file a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or mail a paper form to the Consumer Resource Center, 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104. The Consumer Resource Center offers informal complaint resolution: it notifies the business of the written complaint and helps the two sides communicate to resolve it. A separate Lemon Law Program handles new-vehicle complaints. Phone: 1-800-551-4636 (Washington only) or 206-464-6684, weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What is the consumer protection law in Washington?
Washington's Consumer Protection Act declares unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce unlawful. A person injured in their business or property by a violation may sue to stop further violations and recover actual damages plus costs and a reasonable attorney's fee. The court may increase damages up to three times actual damages, but the increased award for unfair or deceptive practices may not exceed $25,000.
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.