The Consumer Affairs Branch of Fairfax County mediates consumer complaints against businesses, saving consumers time and money by resolving disputes without court involvement. In fiscal year 2010, the branch handled over 7,200 inquiries, recovered over $1.2 million for consumers, and conducted educational outreach seminars. They provide a searchable online database for complaint resolutions, which are public records for three years.

1. Consumer Affairs OverviewConsumer Affairs BranchFairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Servicesfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

2. Buy clothes?Use credit cards?Buy electronics?Rent an apartment?Buy and/or repair an automobile?Have problems with Cox, Verizon, Comcast or Dominion Power?Are You A Consumer?fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

3. What we doThe Consumer Affairs Branch mediates consumer complaints against businesses, on behalf of consumers.

4. We investigate complaints and ensure businesses are operating within the VCPA.

5. We save consumers time and money by handling disputes for them and not involving the courts or lawyers.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

6. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumerDescribe your complaint against a business.Submit:receiptslease agreements photosother supporting documentationHow to File a Complaintfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

7. Once you contact our office, we send a letter to the business, with a copy of your complaint, asking for their position.Many cases are resolved quickly in this way.The Processfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

8. Field visitsInterview witnessesMediationReview applicable laws and ordinances related to the complaint.The Processfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

9. Online database is searchable alphabetically or by complaint type.Resolution of complaint is made public record for three years.Complaint Historyfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

10. Home ContractorsIdentity TheftBuying & Maintaining your vehicleFinancial LiteracyHomeowner’s Association (HOA)Credit ReportsConsumer Knowledge Quiz Your Community, Your CallConsumer FocusOutreachfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

11. Consumer Affairs provides staff support to all Commission meetingsProvides statistics and research at the commissions’ requestPresents figures on the amount of complaints and types of complaints processedAdvises commission on consumer trends and market conditionsProvides ArbitrationTenant-Landlord & Consumer Protection Commissionsfairfaxcounty.gov/consumer