Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs: Help from Other District of Columbia Agencies

The Office of the Attorney General enforces consumer protection and antitrust laws in the District, but doesn’t represent individual consumers. OAG can help you file complaints and find resources to resolve your problems. It is also a good source for detailed information on the District’s consumer protection laws and regulations.

Contact OAG to:

Read and research DC consumer laws and useful consumer information.
Submit a complaint using OAG’s online form.
Learn about resolving your complaint on your own.
Find organizations to help you resolve disputes without going to court.

Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)

The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking regulates the District’s financial services industries, such as banks, insurance companies, check cashing services, etc., and investigates consumer complaints against them. DISB also provides the latest information on financial scams and fraudulent insurance practices.

Contact DISB to:

File a consumer complaint form online or by mail.
Find out which financial entities DISB regulates.
Get consumer alerts on scams and fraudulent practices.
Educate yourself about financial fraud and making smart financial decisions.
Learn about local banks and insurance companies.
Verify the licenses of local nondepository institutions (check cashing companies, money transmitters, mortgage lenders).

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

The Metropolitan Police Department can help if you are a victim of identity theft, phone scams, internet crimes, or con artists. It also has information about protecting yourself against these kinds of crimes and what to do if you are a victim.

Contact MPD to:

Report fraud, identity theft, and con artist scams.
Get information on safely using the ATM, preventing laptop theft, and avoiding phone scams.
Find information on protecting yourself and your property in the event of an emergency.

Superior Court of DC

Under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of DC, you can file claims to recover money you lost to fraudulent business practices.

Contact the Superior Court of DC to:

Get help from the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division and its trained resolution specialists.
Learn how to file a claim in Small Claims Court (for claims of $5,000 or less).
Learn how to file a claim in the Civil Actions Branch (for claims of more than $5,000).

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