Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I find out if the Attorney General’s Office has received complaints against an Arizona business or service provider?
- Can I file a consumer complaint with you and with the Better Business Bureau?
- Can the Attorney General’s Office give me personal advice or represent me in Court?
- Where can I obtain a referral for legal services?
- I want to look up a state law. Where can I find it?
- Where can I obtain information on charities or telemarketers?
- Who do I contact to find out if a business is incorporated or how a business gets incorporated?
- How can I collect my last paycheck from my employer?
- Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona mortgage company or mortgage broker?
- Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona bank, an Arizona credit union or an Arizona collection agency?
- Where do I file a complaint against a realtor?
- Where can I obtain information about an insurance company or insurance broker?
- Where can I file a complaint against a contractor, a construction company, a heating and cooling company, a pool company, a landscaping company, or other home service?
- Does Arizona have a three day right of rescission or “cooling off” period on automobile purchases?
- How can I establish a freeze on my credit history?
- I keep getting unwanted telephone solicitors calling my home. What can I do about it?
- Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona city official?
- Where do I report the inaccurate sale of commodities by weight, measure or count?
- Where do I file a complaint against an Arizona county?
- Where do I file a complaint against a State of Arizona agency or official?
- Where do I file a complaint against a Home Owners Association (HOA)?
- Where can I obtain forms for a general power of attorney, will or trust?
- Where can I file a complaint against a police department?
- Where can I file a complaint against an Attorney?
- Where can I file a complaint against a Judge?
- What areas are covered by the Arizona Civil Rights Act?
- What happens when I file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division?
- If I have filed a complaint of discrimination with EEOC or HUD, can I also file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division?
- Can I file a complaint of discrimination if the employer has less than 15 employees?
- Where can I find posters on “Bodily Fluids Exposure” and “Minimum Wage”?
- How do I restore my Civil Rights?
- How do I find a list of my rights as a victim?
- How do I file a victims’ rights complaint?
- Can I file for restitution after my case is completed?
- Can the Attorney General investigate an elected official for mismanaging a case?
- Can I get a copy of court documents or police reports?
- How do I file an Order of Protection?
- How do I get help with Identity Theft?
- How do I remove my name from these marketing lists?
- I am worried about my elderly parent or neighbor’s safety (Financial or Physical). Who should I report this to?
- I am facing a possible foreclosure on my home. Where can I turn to for help?
- I am interested in these “Shred-a-Thons”. Where can I find out where the next one will be?
- I have questions about the new “employer sanctions,” law. Where can I find out more information?
- Where can I get information about how to volunteer or intern with the Attorney General’s Office?
See Also
Advance Directives
(Life Care Planning) FAQ
Gasoline FAQ
How do I find out if the Attorney General’s Office has received complaints against an Arizona business or service provider?
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office cannot provide information on the complaints we receive against businesses or service providers. Consumers researching the reliability of a business or service provider can check with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB).
BBB of Central/Northern/Western Arizona
4428 North 12th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602.264.1721
877.291.6222 (Toll Free)
602.263.0997 (FAX)
BBB of Southern Arizona
434 South Williams Boulevard,
Suite 102
Tucson, AZ 85711
520.888.5353
800.696.2827 (Toll Free)
520.888.6262 (FAX)
info@tucson.bbb.org
Can I file a consumer complaint with you and with the Better Business Bureau?
Yes
Can the Attorney General’s Office give me personal advice or represent me in Court?
The primary role of the Attorney General’s Office is to provide legal representation to the State of Arizona, its agencies and state officials acting in their official capacities. The Office is not authorized to advise or represent private citizens on personal legal matters. If you need help with a personal legal matter - such as filing a lawsuit, creating a will or defending against a criminal charge - you may want to contact a private attorney.
Where can I obtain a referral for legal services?
If you do not know an attorney in your area, the State bar of Arizona provides information on attorney referral services for persons of varying income levels.
Arizona State Bar Association
602.252.4804 (Phoenix)
520.623.9944 (Tucson)
Community Legal Services
480.833.1442 / 800.896.3631 (Mesa)
602.258.3434 / 800.852.9075 (Phoenix)
928.445.9240 / 800.233.5114 (Prescott)
928.681.1177 / 800.255.9031 (Kingman)
928.782.7511 / 800.424.7962 (Yuma)
Lawyer Referral Service (charges a $35 administrative fee but it allows for a ½ hour free legal consultation)
602.257.4434 (Phoenix)
520.623.8258 (Tucson)
Legal Aid (Based upon income level)
928.774.5281(Flagstaff)
480.833.1442 (Mesa)
602.258.3434 (Phoenix)
520.623.9465 (Tucson)
928.782.7511 (Yuma)
Maricopa County Bar Association
602.257.4200 (Phoenix)
Volunteer Lawyers Program(Maricopa County) (Tucson)
602.258.3434 (Phoenix)
520.623.9465 (Tucson)
I want to look up a state law. Where can I find it?
Statutes can be accessed online at:
Arizona State Legislature
Many public libraries and law libraries provide public access to the state statutes in book form, including:
Law and Research Library Division of Arizona State Library Archives and Public Records
602.542.5297
Maricopa County Law Library
602.506.3945
Where can I obtain information on charities or telemarketers?
Arizona Secretary of State
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.4285 (Phoenix)
520.628.6583 (Tucson)
800.458.5842 (In-State Toll Free)
Who do I contact to find out if a business is incorporated or how a business gets incorporated?
Arizona Corporation Commission
1300 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.3026 (To see if a business is incorporated)
602.542.3135 (To find out how to incorporate)
520.628.6550 (Tucson)
800.345.5819 (In-State Toll Free)
How can I collect my last paycheck from my employer?
Arizona Industrial Commission-Labor Department
Phoenix
800 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.4515
Tucson
2675 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
520.628.5459
Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona mortgage company or mortgage broker?
Complaints against these entities should be filed with the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions.
Arizona Department of Financial Institutions
2910 North 44th Street,
Suite 310
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602.255.4421
800.544.0708 (In–State Toll Free)
Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona bank, an Arizona credit union or an Arizona collection agency?
Complaints against these entities should be filed with the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions.
Arizona Department of Financial Institutions
2910 North 44th Street,
Suite 310
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602.255.4421
800.544.0708 (In –State Toll Free)
Where do I file a complaint against a realtor?
Complaints against realtors should be sent to the Arizona Department of Real Estate.
Arizona Department of Real Estate
Customer Assistance Team
2910 North 44th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602.771.7731
Where can I obtain information about an insurance company or insurance broker?
Inquiries and complaints can be directed to the Department of Insurance.
Arizona Department of Insurance
Customer Assistance Team
2910 North 44th Street,
Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602.364.3100 (Phoenix)
520.628.6370 (Tucson)
800.325.2548 (State wide Toll Free)
Where can I file a complaint against a contractor, a construction company, a heating and cooling company, a pool company, a landscaping company, or other home service?
Complaints against these businesses can be directed to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
3838 North Central Avenue,
Suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85012-1946
602.542.1525
877.692.9762 (Toll Free)
Does Arizona have a three day right of rescission or “cooling off” period on automobile purchases?
No. There is no three-day right to cancel your purchase of a new or used car in Arizona. However, the Arizona Lemon Law (A.R.S. § 44-1261 et seq.) has a number of specific protections for consumers who purchase new or used cars in Arizona. Consumers should consult the law, an attorney, or the Attorney General’s Office Consumers' Guide to Buying a Car: Steer Clear of Trouble! if their newly purchased car does not operate in a reasonable manner.
How can I establish a freeze on my credit history?
To place a freeze in Arizona, you must write to each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Arizona law allows a fee of $5 per consumer reporting agency to place a security freeze. There is also a $5 fee each time you temporarily lift or remove a security freeze. There are no fees if you provide proof that you are a victim of identity theft. To prove you are a victim you must send a valid copy of a police report document your identity theft complaint. If you lose your PIN, you may be charged $5 for a replacement. You should contact each consumer reporting agency for specific instructions on placing a security freeze
Contact information for major Credit Bureaus:
Equifax
800.685.1111
Experian
800.290.5195
TransUnion
888.909.8872
Mailing addresses for Credit Freeze requests:
(Requests must be sent by Certified Mail)
Equifax Security Freeze
PO Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
Experian
PO Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Trans Union Security Freeze
PO 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
Additional information can be found on the Security Freeze page.
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I keep getting unwanted telephone solicitors calling my home. What can I do about it?
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Do Not Call Registry allows you to stop getting telemarketing calls at home. (some exceptions apply) You can register at:
Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Do Not Call Registry
888.382.1222
Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona city official?
Most complaints against a municipal official or action should be filed with the city council, city attorney’s office or city manager of the city in question.
Reports of corruption or illegal activity by city officials should be sent in writing to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Criminal Division - Fraud and Public Corruption Unit
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.5025
602.542.4085 FAX
Where do I report the inaccurate sale of commodities by weight, measure or count?
Arizona Department of Weights and Measures
4425 West Olive Avenue,
Suite #134
Glendale, AZ 85302
602.771.4920 (within Maricopa County)
800.277.6675 (outside Maricopa County)
602.255.1950 FAX
Where do I file a complaint against an Arizona county?
Most complaints against a county official or action should be filed with the county board of supervisors or county attorney’s office of the county in question.
Reports of corruption or illegal activity by county officials should be sent in writing to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Criminal Division - Fraud and Public Corruption Unit
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.5025
602.542.4085 FAX
Where do I file a complaint against a State of Arizona agency or official?
You can file complaints against Arizona’s state agencies and officials with the Arizona Ombudsman’s Office
Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide
3737 North 7th Street,
Suite 209
Phoenix AZ 85014
602.277.7292
800.872..2879
602.277.7312 FAX
ombuds@azoca.gov
Where do I file a complaint against a Home Owners Association (HOA)?
The Attorney General's Office has no specific authority to regulate the affairs of homeowners associations or to enforce the rights of their members. Individuals need to consult a private attorney.
Where can I obtain forms for a general power of attorney, will or trust?
Power of attorney designations, wills and trusts are powerful legal instruments. It is recommended that you contact a private attorney for assistance with these and other serious legal matters. Click here for information on referrals for legal services.
Where can I file a complaint against a police department?
Complaints against police departments should be directed first to the Internal Affairs office of that police department. If you are not happy with the response you receive from Internal Affairs, you should contact the office of the Chief of Police of that police department. If you are still unsatisfied with the police department’s response, you should file a complaint with the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services.
Office of Governor Jan Brewer
Constituent Services
1700 West Washington Street -101A
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602.542.1318
800.253.0883 (Toll Free)
602.542.1381 (FAX)
azgov@az.gov
Where can I file a complaint against an Attorney?
Complaints against lawyers who are licensed to practice law in Arizona should be filed with:
Arizona State Bar Association
602.252.4804 (Phoenix)
520.623.9944 (Tucson)
Where can I file a complaint against a Judge?
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct considers complaints against judges and court commissioners in Arizona.
State Commission on Judicial Conduct
602.452.3200
What areas are covered by the Arizona Civil Rights Act?
The Arizona Civil Rights Act covers Civil Rights issues associated with employment, housing, voting and public accommodations (such as restaurants, stores or hotels).
What happens when I file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division?
The Division will investigate the complaint and request a response from the responding party. If the Division finds reasonable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred, it may file a lawsuit on behalf of the complaining party (you).
If I have filed a complaint of discrimination with EEOC or HUD, can I also file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division?
You have the option of filing a complaint with either EEOC (employment discrimination) and HUD (housing discrimination) or the Civil Rights Division. However, if you file a charge with the Civil Rights Division in the areas of employment or housing discrimination then we “dual file” the complaint with the appropriate federal agency.
Can I file a complaint of discrimination if the employer has less than 15 employees?
We can take this type of complaint only if it involves sexual harassment. Any other type of discrimination complaint involving less than 15 employees please contact a private attorney or visit the City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department.
Where can I find posters on “Bodily Fluids Exposure” and “Minimum Wage”?
Click here for a listing of posters on the Industrial Commission of Arizona's Web site..
Industrial Commission of Arizona
Phoenix Office:
800 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tucson Office:
2675 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
How do I restore my Civil Rights?
For information on restoring your Civil Rights please contact:
Maricopa County
Criminal File Counter
201 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Attn: Civil Restoration Desk
602.506.3625
602.506.0547
*For all other counties please contact them directly
How do I find a list of my rights as a victim?
For a complete list of victims’ rights in Arizona, access the following link: http://www.azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=13 and find Chapter 40.
Check out Arizona Crime Victims' Rights Laws for additional information.
How do I file a victims’ rights complaint?
Any victim who feels his/her victim rights has been violated, and who has attempted to resolve the issue with the agency, may submit a complaint online or via mail by following the online instructions.
Can I file for restitution after my case is completed?
Yes, but only through a civil suit. Unless the restitution is requested under a plea or sentencing recommendation, the only alternative method for obtaining restitution is through civil action.
Can the Attorney General investigate an elected official for mismanaging a case?
Yes. Reports of corruption or illegal activity by elected officials should be sent in writing to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Criminal Division - Fraud and Public Corruption Unit
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.5025
602.542.4085 (FAX)
Can I get a copy of court documents or police reports?
Yes, by contacting the agency where the police report was written and requesting one free copy if you are the victim in the case. Crime victims may also receive copies of the minute entries relating to concerns of victims’ rights violations free of charge.
How do I file an Order of Protection?
Any court in the state may issue/enforce an Order of Protection unless an action for maternity or paternity, annulment, legal separation or dissolution of marriage is pending between the parties. Then, only the Superior Court may issue/enforce the Order of Protection.
How do I get help with Identity Theft?
Start by going to our Identity Theft Web page. There you can download our “Identity Theft Repair Kit” and educate yourself by visiting the various links and documents on the page. If you have a particular question that you cannot find the answer to or need some extra help you can call our Identity Theft Help Line at 602.542.2145 or by e-mail identitytheft@azag.gov.
How do I remove my name from these marketing lists?
‘OPT OUT’ of credit reporting agencies’ credit card solicitation marketing lists: 888.567.8688 or www.optoutprescreen.com
Reduce mortgage and Real Estate solicitations by opting out of lists collected and sold by ACXIOM by calling 877.774.2094 or e-mailing OUTOUTUS@ACXIOM.COM Not Necessary if you opt out of the Direct Marketing Association mailing list
(See Below).
Reduce E-mail and Junk mail through the direct marketing association online at: http://www.the-dma.org
I am worried about my elderly parent or neighbor’s safety ( Financial or Physical ). Who should I report this to?
You should call Adult Protective Services at 877.SOS.ADULT (877.767.2385) and let them know what you have observed. You can also call the Senior Help Line at 602.264.HELP (4357).
I am facing a possible foreclosure on my home. Where can I turn to for help?
Take a look at our Forclosure Resource Center.
I am interested in these “Shred-a-Thons”. Where can I find out where the next one will be?
We constantly update our “Shred-a-thon” page.
We will continually post the ones we organize as well as any others we know about. If you would like yours posted there, e-mail resourcecenter@azag.gov with the information and\or flyer.
I have questions about the new “employer sanctions,” law. Where can I find out more information?
We have setup a separate page for the Legal Arizona Workers Act.
You can find the complaint form, frequently asked questions and a link to the actual law.
Where can I get information about how to volunteer or intern with the Attorney General’s Office?
You can find out how to volunteer by visiting our volunteer page.
Interns can download our intern flyer.