Bureau of Consumer Protection

1001 State Street, Suite 1009
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 871-4371

The Bureau of Consumer Protection is a branch of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office.  It handles most types of general consumer complaints and specific complaints involving Health Care, Do Not Call List, SPAM, Charities, Civil Rights, Debt Collection, Insurance Fraud and Medicaid Fraud.

You may obtain a complaint form by stopping at the Erie regional office, by calling the Erie Office at 814/871-4371 or 800/441-2555, or via the Attorney General website at www.attorneygeneral.gov under "Complaints."

When the Bureau receives a consumer complaint, it will generally attempt mediation by sending a copy of the complaint to the business involved in an attempt to reach a resolution of the dispute.  The Bureau does not act as a judge in these disputes or order any payment or action.  In the majority of cases received by the Bureau, Consumer Protection Agents serve as mediators who work to resolve disputes using the mail, telephone and/or personal contacts.

In general, the Bureau is only authorized to file formal legal action where it has reason to believe that a business is engaged in illegal practices and it is in the public interest to do so.  "The public interest" may include a pattern or practice of fraud, an important question of law, a significant number of consumer victims, a significant amount of money at risk or a variety of other matters.

In keeping with its mandate to educate consumers, the Bureau makes available agents and attorneys to conduct public demonstrations and programs and provides a variety of consumer education brochures and materials to schools, consumer groups and other interested organizations.

For more information on programs offered and complaint procedures, go to www.attorneygeneral.gov.