Protecting Consumers

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office enforces the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and other consumer related laws in order to protects consumers and businesses from those who engage in unfair or deceptive business practices.

These enforcement actions are brought in the name of the State of Tennessee. Although the Attorney General may seek restitution for consumers who have suffered ascertainable losses, the office cannot represent individual consumers.

Consumer complaints are crucial to the Attorney General’s work, however, and can help in identifying recipients for relief.  The Attorney General often initiates cases based on complaints received from consumers and encourages them to report any business practice they believe is unfair or deceptive to the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA), which is housed within the Attorney General’s Office. DCA serves as the central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for consumer complaints regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.  DCA also engages in consumer education through its website, publications and events and offers resources to consumers.