On Your Own; Your Legal Right @ Eighteen On Your Own formatted final version | Page 27

The Division cannot get involved in matters where there has been no
violation of the Consumer Fraud Act, represent you as an individual in
court, or give legal opinions or legal advice. The Division represents the
State of Vermont and can only act in the name of the State. Because of
limitation of time and staff, as well as jurisdiction, decisions on which cases
will be pursued through investigations are based on how much will be
accomplished to benefit ALL Vermonters if the case if pursued. But the
staff of CAP can point out general problems in the particular industry, tell
you how many complaints have been filed in the past against a particular
business, and give you advice on how to proceed to minimize the chances
of your encountering problems. In addition, the complaint files are public
records and you may request, in writing, to inspect or copy them. Certain
fees may apply.
How to File a Complaint
Before you file a complaint with the Consumer Assistance Program, you
should contact the business at least once and allow it an opportunity to
resolve your problem voluntarily. If you are still dissatisfied, you can file a
complaint with the Consumer Assistance Program by sending a letter or
filing a complaint on line at the Attorney General’s website. Your complaint
MUST contain the following information:
x
x
x
x
the correct name and mailing address of the business about
which you are complaining;
your full name, mailing address, and telephone number;
a brief, concise description of the problem; and
a description of the relief you are seeking.
Please note consumer complaints are part of the public record, so do NOT
include social security numbers, account numbers, and other sensitive
information with your complaint unless you mark over that information.
You can access the electronic complaint form by going to the Office of the
Attorney General’s website, https://ago.vermont.gov and navigating to
the section “For Consumers.”
You may also call the Consumer Assistance Program toll-free at 1-800-
649-2424. Callers in the Burlington area may dial 802-656-3183.
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