How to File a Powerful Complaint to the Attorney General: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

1. Get Specific—Clarity Trumps Everything Else

Let’s get one thing straight: when you file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, precision is your secret weapon. Skip the fluff. Vague statements like “I was scammed” are a one-way ticket to the trash bin. What you need is a clear, compelling narrative that outlines exactly what happened, when, and who was involved. The goal is to present your case so clearly that there’s no room for doubt about the fraud or scam.

How to do this:

Chronological order is your friend: Lay out the events in a clear timeline. Not only will this give the Attorney General’s office a clear picture of the situation, but it also helps to pinpoint any critical moments when the company crossed the line. Write it like you’re telling a story, but keep it as tight and to the point as possible. Example:
“On March 15, 2024, I purchased a laptop from XYZ Electronics for $799. The product description claimed the laptop had 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD. When I received the product on March 20, I immediately noticed discrepancies—the laptop was sluggish, and the RAM was only 8GB with a 512GB SSD. I reached out to customer service on March 21 and March 23, but no response followed.”
Highlight the lies, not just the facts: This is where things get interesting. It’s not enough to say, “I got a bad product.” You need to call out the specific lies that were told. What did the company promise you, and how was that different from what you received? Example:
“The website advertised the laptop as a ‘new release,’ but the model was clearly a refurbished version. The product was missing critical features that were listed in the original ad—specifically, the SSD size and RAM amount.”
Include every step you took to resolve the issue: Your complaint should show that you didn’t just accept the situation. Did you try contacting the company multiple times? Did they respond? Were you ignored? This is your chance to prove that you made a good-faith effort to solve things. Example:
“Despite my repeated requests for a refund or replacement, I received no acknowledgment from XYZ Electronics, even after following up twice in writing. I attached the emails for reference.”

2. Evidence Is Your Power—Leverage It

Your story is only half the equation. The other half is rock-solid evidence. Think of your complaint as a case in court. You’re not just telling your story—you’re proving it. The stronger your evidence, the more likely you’ll get a serious response.

What you need to do:

Build a bulletproof case: Gather all relevant documents and organize them in a logical sequence. Attach them as clear, easy-to-reference files. Use PDF format to ensure readability. Key documents you need:
- Transaction proof: Invoices, receipts, order confirmations—anything that shows the date, price, and item in question.
- Product descriptions: Screenshot or printouts of the product details as they were advertised.
- Correspondence: Any emails, chat logs, or written communication you had with the company, especially if they show your attempts to resolve the issue.
- Photographic evidence: If you received a product that didn’t match the description, take clear, well-lit pictures showing the discrepancies.
- Customer reviews or reports: If you’re not the only one affected, include reviews or testimonials from others who’ve had similar experiences.

Example of well-structured evidence submission:

“Here are the documents I’m submitting to support my case:

Invoice for Order #23456 from XYZ Electronics (dated March 15, 2024), showing purchase of a ‘Brand-New 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Laptop’ for $799.
Screenshot of the laptop’s product page on XYZ Electronics’ website, showing the specifications of 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
Photographs of the laptop received, which clearly show the wrong specs—8GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
Email exchanges from March 21 and March 23, where I requested a refund and received no response from customer service.
Consumer reviews from Trustpilot where other customers describe receiving similar incorrect products.”

Be selective, but thorough: Don’t overload the AG’s office with unnecessary documents. Only submit the most compelling and relevant evidence. Focus on clarity and impact, not quantity.

3. Define the Outcome You Want—Be Crystal Clear

This is the moment to take control. When you file a complaint, you need to ask for what you want—and ask for it clearly. The AG’s office can’t read your mind, so don’t leave anything to chance. Be specific about your expectations. What do you want from them? A refund? A public investigation? A penalty for the company?

How to frame your request:

Be actionable: Don’t just say, “I want them to be held accountable.” Instead, request a specific action the AG can take. Example of clear requests: _“I respectfully request that your office take the following actions:
1. Investigate XYZ Electronics for deceptive advertising practices and violations of consumer protection laws.
2. Facilitate a full refund of the $799 I paid for the defective laptop.
3. Issue a public notice warning consumers about the deceptive practices of XYZ Electronics, including false advertising of their products.”_
Keep it realistic: Know what’s within the AG’s power. While you might want a full refund and an investigation, don’t ask for things that are outside their scope. Be pragmatic and clear about what you expect them to do.
Link it to the law: Whenever possible, reference specific laws or statutes the company has violated. This shows that you’ve done your homework and that your complaint is based on real legal grounds.

4. Show the Bigger Picture—Your Complaint Is Part of a Larger Issue

The AG’s office is looking for patterns. If your complaint is part of a bigger issue affecting a lot of consumers, your chances of getting noticed just went up. Don’t just focus on your personal experience—frame your complaint in the context of widespread harm.

How to expand the narrative:

Cite other consumer complaints: Reference online reviews, consumer reports, or testimonies from others who’ve experienced the same issues. If this is part of a larger trend, make that clear. Example:
“From online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Consumer Reports, it’s evident that XYZ Electronics has engaged in similar deceptive practices for several months. Multiple customers have reported receiving products that did not match the descriptions, suggesting a systemic issue with the company’s business model.”
Link your complaint to broader consumer protection: Show that your issue isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a larger fight for consumer rights. When the AG sees that a company is harming many people, they’re more likely to take action. Example:
“The deceptive practices of XYZ Electronics undermine consumer trust in online shopping, especially for vulnerable customers who may not be aware of these fraudulent tactics. This is not just about one individual but about protecting the public from future scams.”

5. Use the Right Tone—Be Professional, but Assertive

Even if you’re angry or frustrated, this is not the time to vent. A professional, direct, and assertive tone is the best way to ensure your complaint is taken seriously. Remember, you’re not just complaining—you’re making a formal request for action. The AG’s office is more likely to respond to a well-structured, clear, and respectful complaint.

How to maintain the right tone:

Stay objective: Avoid emotional language or insults. Stick to the facts, and present them logically.
Be assertive: You are in the right here, so don’t be afraid to assert your position. You’re not just asking for a favor—you’re demanding accountability.
Be concise: Don’t ramble. Keep your complaint clear, sharp, and to the point.

Example of strong closing:

“I am requesting immediate attention to this matter and would appreciate a response within 30 days. You can reach me at [email] or [phone number] if additional information is needed. Thank you for your time and prompt consideration.”

Conclusion:

When you file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, you’re not just reporting a problem—you’re taking action to make sure you, and others, don’t get scammed. Clarity, evidence, specificity, and professionalism are your tools. Use them wisely, and you’ll increase your chances of getting a response that leads to real action. Keep it focused, keep it actionable, and keep it professional.