Find Your State: Check the Resources page for direct links to state AG complaint portals, or search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint."
Before You Start
- Find your state's AG consumer complaint portal
- Most states have online forms - this template provides the narrative
- Reference your state's consumer protection law if known
- Attach copies of documentation (bank statements, emails, etc.)
Template
CONSUMER COMPLAINT
TO: [STATE] Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
FROM:
Name: [YOUR FULL NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY, STATE ZIP]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]
COMPLAINT AGAINST:
Company Name: [COMPANY LEGAL NAME]
Company Address: [COMPANY ADDRESS]
Company Phone: [COMPANY PHONE]
Company Website: [COMPANY WEBSITE]
AMOUNT IN DISPUTE: $[TOTAL AMOUNT]
DESCRIPTION OF COMPLAINT:
I am filing this complaint against [COMPANY NAME] for violations of [STATE]'s consumer protection laws through unauthorized billing practices.
FACTS:
1. On [DATE], I [DESCRIBE ORIGINAL TRANSACTION/SIGN-UP].
2. On [DATE], I [DESCRIBE CANCELLATION OR DISPUTE].
3. Despite my [CANCELLATION/OBJECTION], the company has continued to charge my account:
- [DATE]: $[AMOUNT]
- [DATE]: $[AMOUNT]
- [DATE]: $[AMOUNT]
Total: $[TOTAL]
4. I have attempted to resolve this directly with the company:
- [DATE]: [DESCRIBE CONTACT AND RESPONSE]
- [DATE]: [DESCRIBE CONTACT AND RESPONSE]
LEGAL VIOLATIONS:
This conduct violates:
1. [STATE] Consumer Protection Act - Unfair and deceptive trade practices
2. Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. § 1693) - Unauthorized electronic debits
3. [ADDITIONAL STATE LAWS IF KNOWN]
RELIEF REQUESTED:
1. Investigation of [COMPANY NAME]'s billing practices
2. Full refund of $[TOTAL] in unauthorized charges
3. Confirmation that my account is closed with no further charges
4. Appropriate enforcement action to prevent future violations
DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED:
- Bank/credit card statements showing unauthorized charges
- Copies of cancellation requests/confirmations
- Email correspondence with company
- [LIST OTHER DOCUMENTATION]
I certify that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: [YOUR SIGNATURE]
Date: [DATE]
Printed Name: [YOUR PRINTED NAME]
Next Steps
- Save your complaint reference number
- Response times vary by state (typically 2-8 weeks)
- File a BBB complaint for additional pressure
- Some states will mediate directly with the company
Tips for Success
- File in the company's state too. If the company is headquartered in another state, consider filing there as well.
- State AGs can take enforcement action. Unlike the FTC, state AGs often resolve individual complaints.
- Mention other victims if known. AGs are more interested in patterns than one-off complaints.