The Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch mediates consumer complaints against businesses, on behalf of consumers. We investigate complaints and ensure businesses are operating within the VCPA. We save consumers time and money by handling disputes for them and not involving the courts or lawyers.

1. Consumer Affairs Overview Consumer Affairs Branch Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services fairfaxcounty.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

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/consumer Describe your complaint against a business. Submit: receipts lease agreements photos other supporting documentation How to File a Complaint fairfaxcounty.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 Process fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

8. Field visits Interview witnesses Mediation Review applicable laws and ordinances related to the complaint. The Process fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

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

10. Home Contractors Identity Theft Buying & Maintaining your vehicle Financial Literacy Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Credit Reports Consumer Knowledge Quiz Your Community, Your Call Consumer Focus Outreach fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

11. Consumer Affairs provides staff support to all Commission meetings Provides statistics and research at the commissions’ request Presents figures on the amount of complaints and types of complaints processed Advises commission on consumer trends and market conditions Provides Arbitration Tenant-Landlord & Consumer Protection Commissions fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

12. During FY 2010 – Consumer Affairs staff responded to 7259 case inquiries. Recovered $1,221,437 in cash, goods, and services for consumers. Conducted 142 outreach seminars to educate consumers about potential risks and scams. Staff developed fact sheets, presentations, podcasts, Government Channel 16 Consumer Focus Program, and an e-Newsletter, The Informed Consumer. The Results fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

13. Contact the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch for more information: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433 Fairfax, Virginia 22035 703-222-8435 TTY 711 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer Contact Consumer Affairs