Handles consumer complaints, mediation of disputes with businesses and/or referral to other appropriate governmental agencies. The complaint process can include a wide variety of consumer areas including utilities, student loans, automobiles, and scams of all types. Provides information on consumer laws and consumer issues through telephone contacts and consumer information brochures. Includes information on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and similar Minnesota statute involving credit checks and background checks. Provides information on Minnesota charities and the laws that govern them. Brochures available free of charge include, but not limited to: - Abusive/Predatory Lending - Cars for Charity: A Guide to Vehicle Donations - Conciliation Court - Debt Collection Fact Sheet - Disaster Information - Foreign Advance Fee Fraud - Guarding Your Privacy: Tips to Prevent Identity Theft - Home Buyer's Handbook - Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities - Managing Your Health Care - Mental Health Care - Seniors' Legal Rights - Student Loan Guide - The Car Handbook - The Credit Handbook - Tips For Charitable Giving Website contains additional information and full text of most brochures as well.

- Utility rate case intervention - Works with individuals with complaints concerning energy companies - Works with state legislature and Public Utilities Commission on public policy concerns regarding energy affordability and utility service practices

Answers questions and investigates unresolved disputes on billing, company tariffs (aka policies) and administrative practices, government regulatory policies, service matters, utility rates, and utility service areas. The office reviews the complaints and responses to be sure that companies are following state statutes, rules, and Commission Orders. If not, the office takes additional action. Most complaints are resolved within 30 business days.