georgia.gov - Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs

The Official Portal for the State of Georgia

Proposed Lemon Law Rules

On November 10, 2008, the Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs proposed new rules pertaining to the "Georgia Lemon Law Act" of 2008. A copy of the proposed new rules, a synopsis of the rules and the procedure for comment can be found here.

Gasoline Price Gouging Complaints

Thanks to consumers throughout the State, this Office has received a significant number of complaints alleging gasoline price gouging. We are reviewing all the complaints and have begun investigating a number of gas stations. The investigations are lengthy in process since they are paper-intensive. Due to the volume of complaints, this agency will not be responding to consumers individually about our findings on their specific allegations. However, we do encourage you to check back on this website periodically for updates about any business found to have violated the price gouging statute. Postings will include consumer restitution terms, if applicable.

How do I check the reputation of a business?

I have a problem and need information about...

What do I do if I want to file a complaint with your office?

I want information on Georgia's Lemon Law and the protections it provides me.

Do you have a sample complaint letter I can use to let a business know about my problem?

What's New?

Many consumers across the State are affected when a car dealership closes. lf your trade-in was not paid off by the dealership, what should you do? Read our recently issued Consumer Alert for helpful information.

The Georgia Department of Labor warns that fraudulent checks, resembling State of Georgia unemployment benefit checks, are being mailed to citizens along with a letter which appears to award a grant to the recipient.

How will the upcoming changes to television broadcasting affect your television reception?

Phony telemarketers posing as Federal Trade Commission workers are scamming consumers out of money by claiming that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes.

Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs launches new educational website to help consumers with major purchase decisions, credit and financial management. Visit www.ConsumerEd.com.

Homeowners and builders take note: General contractors are now required to be licensed by the Secretary of State’s Office. Read more about the requirements and how to verify whether a builder has a valid license.

Free foreclosure prevention counseling and information is available through the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. Call 1-888-995-HOPE or visit www.995hope.org. Consumers should also learn how to recognize and avoid foreclosure rescue scams.

Read OCA press releases and other consumer articles for helpful information.

Web Site Feedback

Thanks for visiting our web site. We are a customer-focused web site and value your comments.

Hot Topics

•	CONSUMER ALERTS (news, press releases, scams)
•	Identity Theft
•	Georgia's "Lemon Law"
•	Credit and You
•	E-Mail Spam
•	Buying a New or Used Vehicle
•	Do Not Call Law
•	Utilities
•	Telephone Complaints
•	Building Contractors
•	Contract Cancellation Rights
•	Landlord-Tenant
•	Servicemembers' Debt Relief
•	and more

Free Financial Advice Events in Atlanta on November 24, 2008

Come out and join in on the Your Money Bus Tour coming to Atlanta on November 24, 2008. Have your pressing financial questions and concerns answered by financial advisors for FREE. The bus will be making stops at the following locations:

9:30 am to 3:00 pm - Free advice event at the Georgia State Capitol Building (206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA). Bring your financial questions and sit and talk with a financial advisor to get your answers. Be sure to also pick-up a handy toolkit full of information on debt reduction and saving. Advisors will be located in the lawn area on Washington Street outside the Capitol Building.

6:30 to 8:00 pm - Symposium on “Understanding Debt, Savings and Your Financial Well-Being" at Georgia State University. The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Senate Salon located at the Student Center (33 Gilmore Street).

Georgia's credit freeze law

On May 13, 2008 Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law a credit freeze bill that provides Georgia consumers with the ability to place a freeze on their credit file for only $3, or a total of $9 for each of the three major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The freeze is free for senior citizens 65 and older and for victims of identity theft. Each temporary lift – commonly called a “thaw” – to allow access to the consumer’s credit file also costs $3, and is available electronically within 15 minutes of request, keeping on-the-spot credit an option for shoppers. The legislation became effective August 1, 2008.