LANSING – As the holiday scam campaign nears its end, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants to ensure Michiganders know how to contact the Consumer Protection Team to file a complaint. Consumers can file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General online, by fax, or by mail.

“Each year, our Consumer Protection Team helps Michigan consumers by mediating complaints that fall within our jurisdiction,” Nessel said. “I encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud or deceptive business practices to reach out and file a complaint.”

When the Department receives an online complaint, consumers will be taken to a confirmation screen with their assigned Attorney General file number. The Consumer Protection Team receives thousands of consumer complaints, so it may take a few weeks until a complaint is fully processed.

Before filing a complaint, consumers should keep the following in mind:

• Complaints and supporting materials become public records when they are submitted to the Attorney General’s office. This means that under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, some of your materials may be disclosed to anyone who asks for them.

• Your complaint may be sent to the business you are complaining about, and it may be sent to other governmental agencies for their review.

• Some complaints may become the subject of civil or criminal cases and may be disclosed as part of a court proceeding.

• Any information that you give to us will not be sold, rented, or leased.

• We do not return documents, so make copies of everything that you submit and do NOT submit any original documents.

• Do not send sensitive personal information, like your social security number or credit card information, unless it is necessary for the investigation of your complaint.

• If you believe that you must submit sensitive information, then please send the complaint and any attachments by mail and include your name or Attorney General file number if you have one. Never send sensitive personal information in an email.

• Not all consumer complaints are handled by the Attorney General. By law, many other state and federal agencies assist consumers. Consult the Complaint Directory to find the agency or division that can best help you.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

As consumers look to return holiday gifts and other merchandise, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on Avoiding Unhappy Returns to help consumers avoid surprises by taking a little extra time to understand the store’s return policies.

“Return policies vary greatly from store to store, but almost all impose a time limit on returns,” Nessel said. “If you know you will return an item you received this holiday season, don’t wait, and review the store’s return policy before making the trip.”

The best way to avoid an unhappy return is to know the store’s return policy before making a purchase. Look for a posted return policy at the cash register or in the customer service area. You can also ask a store clerk.

Online shoppers should examine a store’s website to determine whether returns are allowed. If the online store allows returns, you should search the store’s website for information on how to return items. If the information is not posted on the store’s website, you should be cautious about purchases. If you decide to proceed, you should first contact the store. Ask for the return policy in writing. Be sure to print and retain the return information (along with all receipts, packing slips, and other documentation).

If your return has been refused by a store clerk, ask to speak with the store manager. If the store refuses the return of items that are defective or not as represented, you have a legitimate complaint. You can also complain if you discover that the store is not honoring its return policy. If you paid by credit card, you may wish to contact your credit card company and dispute the charges.

To view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website. To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form