​Attorney General of Maryland ​Anthony G. Brown

Business Complaints

The Consumer Protection Division helps Maryland consumers resolve disputes with businesses through mediation. We can assist if you're a Maryland consumer with a business dispute, or if you live elsewhere but have a dispute involving a transaction that occurred in Maryland.

Note: All complaints submitted become public records subject to disclosure requests under state law.​ However, confidential information (financial, medical, or psychological) remains protected.

Before You File

  • The Consumer Protection Division mediates most complaints about goods, services, or credit obtained for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes
  • Health care or medical billing disputes are handled separately: File a healthcare complaint
  • Complaints about federal executive orders or Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) actions: Use our General Office Contact Form​
  • Business vs. business complaints: We cannot mediate disputes between businesses unless the filing business is a nonprofit organization
  • We cannot mediate anonymous complaints​​​
​

How to File a Complaint

Use the forms below to report consumer fraud, landlord-tenant issues, civil rights violations, and other concerns to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.​

Option 1: File Online (Recommended)

  1. Gather your documentation 

    (receipts, contracts, leases, repair orders, sales agreements)​​​​

  2. Register on our ​Complaint Portal
    • Select "Register" in the top right corner
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your form​
    • Once registered, select a complaint type from the left menu or by clicking the "Consumer Complaints" tab
  3. Submit supporting documents
    • Attach documents during filing or later through the "My Cases" tab
    • Select "Add File" for the appropriate case number
    • ​Note: Some document formats cannot be uploaded through the portal and must be submitted by mail, email, or fax (see File by Mail for details)​

Option 2: File by Mail, Fax, or Email

  1. Download the appropriate printable form (see "Complaint Forms​" section below)
  2. Complete the form and gather ​copies of your documentation (please do not send originals)​
  3. Mail, fax, or email everything to:

    Office of the Attorney General

    Consumer Protection Division
    
200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor
    ​Baltimore, MD ​21202​

  4. Other Submission Methods​
    Email: [email protected]​tate​.md.us​​
    Fax: (410) 576-7040    ​

What Happens Next​​

Complaint Review & Assessment

  1. Initial Review: We assess whether our office is the appropriate agency to handle your complaint and may request additional documentation and/or information.
  2. Assignment: If appropriate for our mediation, your complaint will be assigned to the next available mediator.
  3. Business Notification: Unless you specify it's for informational purposes only, the business will receive a copy of your complaint. We act as an impartial mediator between you and the business to find a fair solution.​
  4. Mediation Process: ​A mediator will work with both parties through phone calls and written correspondence to reach a resolution.

Mediation Timeline​

Resolution time varies based on case complexity and the responsiveness of the businesses involved. Simple billing issues may be resolved quickly, while complex issues may take longer.

Complaints are handled in the order received and assignment times depend on current caseload or filing deadlines.

If Mediation Is Unsuccessful

Please understand that we cannot force a business to cooperate with our mediation efforts, and we are not authorized to provide legal advice or serve as private attorneys on individual cases. 

​

​​Complaint Forms

Type of Complaint File Online (Recommended) Paper Form Spanish (ES) Form
General Complaint
For retail sales/services, auto sales, condo/HOA issues, scams, etc.

 File Online Download PDF Formulario en español
Auto Repair Complaint
For vehicle repairs and auto warranty issues

 File Online Download PDF Formulario en español
Landlord/Tenant Complaint
For issues with current or former landlords

 File Online Download PDF Formulario en español
New Car Warranty (Lemon Law)
For new cars, light trucks, and motorcycles less than 24 months old with fewer than 18,000 miles. If your vehicle involves the purchase of a used car, or otherwise does not meet the above requirements, please use our General Complaint form.​

 File Online Download PDF Formulario en español
New Home Complaint
For issues with purchase/construction of new homes. If your complaint involves the purchase of an existing home, or a contractor  you hired to work on your home, please use our General Complaint form.​

 File Online Download PDF Formulario en español

​Consumer Protection Division Contact Information​

Before filing, consider calling us at 410-528-8662 to ensure you're contacting the appropriate agency, which may help resolve your issue more quickly.​

  • Consumer Hotline: 410-528-8662
  • Health Education and Advocacy Hotline: 410-528-1840 (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm Eastern)
  • Spanish Language Assistance: 410-230-1712​
  • Toll-free (in Maryland): 1-888-743-0023

  • Fax: 410-576-7040