Consumer Advocacy

The Consumer Advocacy Section is the clearinghouse for Connecticut constituent complaints involving unfair or deceptive marketplace activities and elder justice concerns.  This Section mediates complaints from consumers and small businesses, fosters the development of fair consumer practices, and promotes statewide consumer education and outreach. Additionally, in partnership with the Connecticut Elder Justice Coalition, the Consumer Advocacy Section manages and staffs the Elder Justice Hotline, which provides information, assistance and resources to older adults and their advocates regarding elder abuse, neglect, fraud and exploitation. 

While the Office of the Attorney General represents the public interest, and cannot provide legal advice nor represent individuals, this Section offers an informal complaint mediation program.  This complaint mediation program relies on the good-faith and cooperation of all parties and provides consumers and businesses a voluntary, means to remedy disputes, and potentially avoid costly and complex litigation.  Consumer complaints range from issues related to financial transactions to purchases of products, goods, and services; unfortunately, we do not handle complaints involving poor customer service.  Consumers may use this link to file a complaint Complaint Form Landing page (ct.gov). 

The intention of the complaint mediation process is to open the lines of communication between consumers and businesses; foster settlements acceptable to both parties; and to ultimately resolve the dispute before further action needs to be taken.  In some instances, to best assist Connecticut constituents and consumers, the Consumer Advocacy Section refers complaints to the proper section, partner agency, or other government entity for possible enforcement.  

This Section also operates and staffs the Elder Justice hotline, which has been instrumental in assisting Connecticut seniors that face significant financial, social, and physical issues often related to aging.  CAS also refers numerous matters to our local, State and Federal partners within the Coalition of Elder Justice.