Consumer Resources
Disclaimer: This page contains hyperlinks to World Wide Web sites that are created and maintained by other organizations. We have included these links because we think that visitors to our site may find them of interest. The Alaska Attorney General's office does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these Web sites. Also, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented on these sites.
Alaska Agencies:
Alaska Attorney General's Office
The Attorney General of the State of Alaska has the authority to investigate business or trade practices and take legal action on behalf of the State of Alaska, in order to stop false, misleading or deceptive acts and practices. This Office concentrates on those complaints which indicate a pattern of unfairness or deception substantially affecting the public interest.
Commercial & Fair Business Section
Consumer Protection Unit
1031 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 269-5200
Toll Free: 1-888-576-2529
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights enforces Alaska Statute 18.80 et.seq. which prohibits discrimination in employment, credit, and financing practices, the sale or rental of real property, public accommodations, and practices by the state or its political subdivisions because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, and in some instances because of age, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy and parenthood. The Commission staff impartially investigates complaints of discrimination and, if substantial evidence of discrimination is found, attempts to conciliate or holds hearings and orders appropriate relief. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you may contact the Commission staff at:
800 A Street, Suite 204
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3669
Toll Free Complaint Hotline 1-800-478-4692 or TTY 1-800-478-3177 (in state only)
(907) 274-4692 or TTY/TDD (907) 276-3177
Alaska Ombudsman's Office
The Alaska State Ombudsman has offices in Anchorage and Juneau to help people across the state with questions and complaints about state government agencies and the University of Alaska.
You may download the complaint form or call or write to your nearest Ombudsman's office and request a form.
Alaska Ombudsman's Office - Anchorage
PO Box 102636
Anchorage, Alaska 99510-2636
(907) 269-5290
FAX: (907) 269-5291
Toll-free voice and TTY 1-800-478-2624
email: ombudsman@legis.state.ak.us
Alaska Ombudsman's Office - Juneau
PO BOX 113000
Juneau, Alaska 99811-3000
(907) 465-4970
FAX: (907) 465-3330
Toll-free voice and TTY 1-800-478-4970
email: ombudsman@legis.state.ak.us
Alaska Division of Banking & Securities
The Securities Section of the Division of Banking & Securities investigates complaints about brokers or anyone else connected to the investment world, whether they are registered or not. If you have a complaint, or you feel you have been wronged by an investment program, let the Division know. You can get a complaint form on their web site. The Securities Section also looks into complaints about proxy solicitations from ANCSA corporations and their shareholders. If there are things about a proxy solicitation that you are unhappy about, you can go to their web site and get an ANCSA corporation complaint form as well. You can call the Division about any investment matter of ANCSA corporation proxy matter.
http://www.decd.state.ak.us/bsc/
Anchorage Office
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1940
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269-8140 or TTY/TDD (907) 465-5437
FAX: (907) 269-8146
Hotline: 1-888-925-2521
email: bdsc@alaska.gov
Juneau Office
PO Box 110807
Juneau, AK 99811-0807
(907) 465-2521
FAX: (907) 465-2549
Alaska Division of Insurance
The Alaska Division of Insurance helps people across the state by answering insurance questions and responding to complaints. If you have questions about insurance matters such as marketing or sales, claim handling, underwriting, or policyholder services, please contact a Consumer Services Specialist in our Anchorage Office.
You may file a complaint online or download the Consumer Inquiry/Complaint form to send by mail.
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/insurance/
Anchorage Office
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1560
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3567
(907) 269-7900
FAX (907) 269-7910
email: insurance@alaska.gov
Juneau Office
PO Box 110805
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0805
(907) 465-2515
FAX (907) 465-3422
TDD (907) 465-5437
email: insurance@alaska.gov
Alaska Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
The Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement ensures the accuracy of commercial weighing and measuring devices, verifies the net weight and labeling of pre-packaged commodities and verifies the accuracy of price verification systems (scanners). Examples of these services include checking gas pumps, scales and scanners to be sure they are correct and checking packages to be sure they are not short weight. The Division investigates complaints involving short weight on a scale or package, short measure at a gas pump and short delivery on firewood and fuel oil.
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/mscve/
Administrative Office
12050 Industry Way
Building O, Suite 6
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
(907) 365-1210
FAX: (907) 365-1220
email: mscve@dot.state.ak.us
Directors Office
1190 Industrial Way
Building M, Suit 2
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907) 365-1210
FAX: (907) 365-1220
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
The Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing licenses and investigates complaints in those professions regulated by AS 08.01.01; i.e. such as doctors, dentists, engineers. To see the complete list of professions subject to this statute, click on AS 08.01.01.
Business & Professional Licensing Section
PO Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Receptionist (907) 465-2534 or Licensing Staff (907) 465-2550
FAX: (907) 465-2974
email: License@alaska.gov or businesslicense@alaska.gov
Corporations Section
PO Box 110808
Juneau, AK 99811-0808
(907) 465-2530
FAX: (907) 465-3257
email: corporations@alaska.gov
Investigations Unit
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
(907) 269-8160
FAX: (907) 269-8195
email: investigations@alaska.gov
Alaska Division of Senior & Disabilities Services
The Division of Senior & Disability Services Senior Information Office provides information concerning senior programs throughout the state and refers callers to appropriate agencies. This service is provided through the Anchorage office. For information and referral call (907) 269-3680 or toll free at 1-800-478-6065.
http://hss.state.ak.us/dsds/seniorInfoOffice.htm
Senior Information Office
3601 C Street, Suite 310
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5984
(907) 269-3680; Toll Free 1-800-478-6065
FAX: (907) 269-2045
email: judith.bendersky@alaska.gov
Alaska Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
The Long Term Care Ombudsman can investigate and resolve complaints, evaluate facility conditions and provide information to the public about long term care facilities and programs. This office serves people 60 years and older who are primarily in long term care facilities.
Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
3745 Community Park Loop, Suite 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
(907) 334-4480; Toll Free 1-800-730-6393
FAX: (907) 334-4486
Alaska Private Non-Profit Organizations:
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) is a private, non-profit group receiving federal, state and individual donations. ALSC provides legal assistance and representation to low-income Alaskans in non-criminal matters. Areas of specialty include family law, housing, wills, probate, public benefits, health and consumer matters. ALSC also operates the Seniors' Legal Services Project, a legal assistance program for older persons (age 60 and over).
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
1016 W. 6th Avenue, Suite 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-9431
FAX: (907) 279-7417
Toll-Free: 1-888-478-2572
email: anchorage3@alsc-law.org
AKPIRG
The Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) is a non-partisan, statewide non-profit organization. Its main purpose is to educate citizens to enable them to participate in the political process, provide the public with practical and cost efficient ways to work with government and the private sector, and encourage and provide information to grassroots efforts that advocate for the public interest.
Steve Cleary, Executive Director
P.O. Box 101093
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
(907) 278-3661
FAX: (907) 278-9300
email: AkPIRG@gci.net
Better Business Bureau of Alaska
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides information services and programs to assist consumers and businesses on behalf of an ethical marketplace. Some of the services the BBB provides include; conciliating marketplace disputes betweens consumers and businesses, providing company and charity reliability reports to help consumer make informed decisions as well as tips and information about scams.
Consumers can file complaints in writing or online and access the BBB's company and charity reports through the internet.
alaskaoregonwesternwashington.bbb.org
Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington
3601 C St. Ste. 1378
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 562-0704
FAX: (907) 562-4061
email: info@thebbb.org
U.S. Government Agencies:
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Use the on-line forms to report an injury or file a complaint about an unsafe product, a health care professional or business. The CPSC provides links to web sites of other Federal agencies that do have responsibilities for products not under CPSC's control.
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 504-7923
Toll Free Consumer Hotline: 800-638-2772 or TTY 800-638-8270
FAX: (301) 504-0124 or (301) 504-0025
Consumer Action Handbook
This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is full of helpful tips about buying a car or home, preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and much more. In the 2008 edition, you'll find updated information about filing for bankruptcy, finding a lawyer, and planning a funeral, along with many other useful topics. You can order a copy of the free handbook or read the topics covered in the handbook online at the Federal Citizen Information Center's Consumer Action website:
Federal Citizen Information Center
US General Services Administration
1800 F Street NW, Room G142
Washington, DC 20405
(202) 501-1794
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Consumers may report a complaint to the Consumer Information Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Examples of complaints handled by the FCC include: violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), interstate (from one state to another) telecommunication issues, foreign communications, and lack of accessibility of telecommunication services and equipment to persons with disabilities. To learn more about the FCC go to www.fcc.gov/cib. You may submit a complaint online to the FCC at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
Consumer & Government Affairs Bureau
445 12th St., SW
Washington , D.C. 20554
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
email: ffcinfo@fcc.gov
Federal Information Center (FIC)
The FIC, administered by the U.S. General Services Administration, can help you find information about the Federal Government's agencies, services and programs. The FIC can also tell you which office to contact for help with problems. The FIC is open in Alaska 8:00 A.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Federal Information Center (FIC)
Toll free line 800-688-9889 or TDD/TTY 800-326-2996
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) / Consumer Response Center
Consumers may report a consumer fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using their toll-free consumer Helpline. Counselors are available from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday to take consumers' complaints or answer questions. You may also submit a complaint online to the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ The FTC has an extensive list of useful publications covering all areas of consumer protection and consumer fraud. These publications, accessed through the FTC site map, may be downloaded or ordered through the mail.
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20580
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
TTY 1-866-653-4261
DOT Auto Safety Hotline
Consumers may report vehicle safety defects by calling the Department of Transportation's Hotline or filing an on-line complaint. The Office of Defects Investigation provides consumers with a Web site complaint data base as well as information on safety problems, testing results, recalls, regulations and standards, research and development and other auto safety related areas.
Before buying a used car from a dealer or a private party, download a copy of "Buying a Used Car", a consumer guide from the Federal Trade Commission or request a printed copy by contacting:
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
1-888-327-4236
U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service
Consumer complaints are the principal basis for investigations of mail fraud. The Inspection Service has informative brochures available to consumers and businesses that relate to consumer fraud by phone or mail. Among the topics covered: solicitations disguised as invoices, advance fee schemes, sweepstakes advertising and what you should do if you've been conned.
341 W. Tudor Rd, Suite 208
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-66648
(907) 562-8790
FAX: (907) 562-8791
Toll Free Hotline: 1-877-876-2455
Criminal Investigations Service Center
Attn: Mail Fraud
2225 Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250
Chicago, IL 60606-6100
National Consumer Organizations/Hotlines:
Call for Action
Call for Action (CFA) is an international, nonprofit network of consumer hotlines. When a consumer contacts CFA, a CFA volunteer will contact the company or agency directly to promote dispute resolution. CFA assists the general public and small businesses victimized by fraud and addresses other consumer issues such as: debit cards/electronic banking, telephone fraud, advance-fee loans, investment fraud and basic credit.
Call for Action
5272 River Road, Suite 300
Bethseda, MD 20816
(301) 657-8260
FAX: (301) 657-2914
TTY (301) 657-9462
Consumer Action
Assists consumers with marketplace problems. It offers a multi lingual consumer hotline, free information on long-distance telephone companies and consumer education materials.
Consumer Action
221 Main Street, Suite 480
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-777-9635 (Consumer complaint hotline)
FAX: (415) 777-5267
Consumer World
A public service site listing useful consumer resources divided into topical areas and categorized for easy use, including a directory of consumer agencies at the international, federal,state and local levels. This site provides among its useful information: access to brochures on a variety of topics, a list of companies, customer service and complaint numbers, purchasing information and price checks, and information relating to health, home, automobiles, travel as well as other consumer needs.
National Fraud Information Center
The National Fraud Information Center (NFIC) was created by the National Consumers League, the oldest private, non-profit advocacy group representing consumers on the market place and workplace issues. The NFIC's purpose is to fight telemarketing fraud by improving prevention and enforcement. The NFIC has a nationwide toll-free hotline to report telephone or Internet fraud. The Internet Fraud Watch enables the NFIC to offer consumers advice about promotions in cyberspace and to route reports of suspected online and internet fraud to the appropriate government agencies.
PO Box 65868
Washington, DC 20035
1-800-876-7060
ScamWatch
ScamWatch is an Internet site devoted to Internet fraud. ScamWatch offers services such as scam alerts, information posting, investigation, tracking, recording and removal of fraudulent activities (scams) on the Internet.
