North Carolina Attorney General Complaints Overview
The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office is responsible for enforcing state laws, protecting the rights of North Carolina citizens, and representing the state in legal matters. The Attorney General’s Office also handles complaints from the public regarding a wide range of issues, including consumer protection, environmental protection, and civil rights.
In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has received a significant number of complaints from the public. In 2022, the office received over 10,000 complaints, with the most common complaints being related to consumer protection, debt collection, and employment law. The Attorney General’s Office investigates all complaints and takes appropriate action, including filing lawsuits, issuing subpoenas, and negotiating settlements.
Types of Complaints
The Attorney General’s Office handles a wide range of complaints from the public. Some of the most common types of complaints include:
- Consumer protection complaints, such as complaints about deceptive advertising, unfair business practices, and defective products.
- Debt collection complaints, such as complaints about harassment by debt collectors and illegal debt collection practices.
- Employment law complaints, such as complaints about discrimination, unpaid wages, and wrongful termination.
- Environmental protection complaints, such as complaints about pollution, illegal dumping, and violations of environmental regulations.
- Civil rights complaints, such as complaints about discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or disability.
Filing a Complaint
If you believe you have been the victim of a violation of state law, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. You can file a complaint online, by mail, or by phone. The Attorney General’s Office will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
Filing a Complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, fraud, or other illegal activity, you may consider filing a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office can investigate complaints, take legal action against wrongdoers, and provide resources to victims.
Gathering Evidence and Documenting Your Complaint
Before filing a complaint, it is important to gather evidence and document your experience. This may include:
- Copies of contracts, invoices, or other documents related to the alleged illegal activity
- Emails, text messages, or other communications with the person or company you believe wronged you
- Financial records showing losses or damages you have incurred
- Contact information for witnesses who may be able to corroborate your claims
Submitting a Complaint
You can submit a complaint to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office in one of three ways:
- Online: You can file a complaint online at the Attorney General’s Office website: https://ncdoj.gov/file-complaint/
- By mail: You can mail a written complaint to the following address: North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Division, P.O. Box 629, Raleigh, NC 27602
- In person: You can visit the Attorney General’s Office in person at 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001.
When filing a complaint, be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the alleged illegal activity, including the names of the individuals or companies involved, the dates and locations of the incidents, and any damages you have incurred.
Complaint Investigation Process
The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office follows a structured process to investigate complaints. The investigation process begins with an initial review of the complaint to determine if it meets the criteria for investigation.
Criteria for Investigation
The Attorney General’s Office will investigate complaints that:
- Allege a violation of North Carolina law.
- Are supported by credible evidence.
- Are within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s Office.
Investigation Timelines and Procedures
The investigation process typically involves:
- Gathering evidence, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing documents.
- Evaluating the evidence to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support a violation of the law.
- Making a decision on whether to take further action, such as filing a lawsuit or referring the matter to another agency.
The investigation process can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the complaint. The Attorney General’s Office will keep the complainant informed of the status of the investigation as appropriate.
Possible Outcomes of a Complaint
When the Attorney General’s Office investigates a complaint, several possible outcomes may result. These outcomes depend on the nature of the complaint and the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The Attorney General’s Office may choose to:
- Mediate: The Attorney General’s Office may facilitate a mediation between the complainant and the business or organization against whom the complaint was filed. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps the parties involved in a dispute to reach an agreement.
- Negotiate: The Attorney General’s Office may negotiate with the business or organization against whom the complaint was filed to resolve the issue. Negotiation is a process in which the parties involved in a dispute try to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.
- Litigate: If mediation and negotiation are unsuccessful, the Attorney General’s Office may file a lawsuit against the business or organization against whom the complaint was filed. Litigation is a process in which a court resolves a dispute between two or more parties.
Successful Complaints
The Attorney General’s Office has a history of successfully resolving complaints on behalf of consumers. For example, in 2021, the Attorney General’s Office resolved a complaint against a debt collection agency that was illegally harassing consumers. The Attorney General’s Office negotiated a settlement with the debt collection agency, which included a payment of $100,000 to the consumers who were harassed.
The Attorney General’s Office is committed to enforcing the law and protecting consumers. If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam or other illegal activity, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.
Additional Resources for Consumers
Consumers facing issues may seek assistance from various organizations beyond the Attorney General’s Office. These include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and legal aid providers.
Government Agencies
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-FTC-HELP
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): 1-855-411-CFPB
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): 1-888-CALL-FCC
Non-Profit Organizations
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): www.bbb.org
- Consumer Reports: www.consumerreports.org
- National Consumer Law Center (NCLC): www.nclc.org
Legal Aid Providers
- Legal Aid of North Carolina: www.legalaidnc.org
- Pisgah Legal Services: www.pisgahlegal.org
- Carolina Legal Assistance: www.carolinalegalassist.org
Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Consider resolving complaints independently or through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration. These methods can be less adversarial and potentially lead to quicker resolutions.
