This section of PALawHelp.org has resources about Consumer Protection information and issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
Beware of Scams targeting College and Graduate Students
The Pennsylvania Attorney offers this warning to college students and their parents to be on the lookout for potential scams that are targeting these young adults.
Beware of Voting Scams
The Pennsylvania Attorney General offers information on scams related to voting and tricking donors into believing they are supporting their preferred political candidates.
Consumer Fotonovelas
As part of it's ongoing effort to raise awareness about scams targeting the Latino community, the FTC has developed a series of “fotonovelas” in Spanish. The stories are based on complaints to the FTC from Spanish speakers throughout the nation and offer practical tips to help detect and stop common scams.
Financial Planners or Scammers
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about solicitations from so-called experts offering financial and estate planning services.
How can I tell the difference between e-mails from companies I do business with and scams trying to rip me off?
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offering information on how to avoid email scams.
Work at Home Schemes
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about the pitfalls of many offers of big money from working at home.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Information from the Erie County Bar Association concerning PA Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Defending a Lawsuit
Information on how to defend a lawsuit provided by the Erie County Bar Association.
Harassment
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the offense of Harassment.
Home Improvement Contracts
Information from the Erie County Bar Association to help you when you enter into a home improvement contract.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
How to Safely Shop Online
Information from the American Bar Association to aid consumers in shopping over the Internet
Libel and Slander
Information on the law of libel and slander from the Erie County Bar Association.
Malpractice
Information on Malpractice, which is the general term which is applied to negligent conduct on the part of a doctor, dentist, lawyer, hospital, or other member of a given profession.
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
State and Federal Courts
A description of state and federal courts in PA from the Erie County Bar Association.
The Home Repair Contract
A Senior Citizen's Guide to Home Repair from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia). [PDF]
Affordable Connectivity Program Wind-Down
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program was April 2024. ACP enrolled households are strongly encouraged to carefully review written notices from their internet company and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down. Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.
Behind on Bills
This booklet provides a set of tools to fit your needs, whether that means short-term financial help, longer-term financial health, or something in between. The tools are designed to help you handle money emergencies, cut down on stress from mounting bills, and build your finances to where you want them to be.
Beware of Scams targeting College and Graduate Students
The Pennsylvania Attorney offers this warning to college students and their parents to be on the lookout for potential scams that are targeting these young adults.
Beware of Voting Scams
The Pennsylvania Attorney General offers information on scams related to voting and tricking donors into believing they are supporting their preferred political candidates.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Information and services for consumers from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General provided by its Public Protection Division.
Cell Phones and Cellular Calling Plans
The Pennsylvania Attorney General offers some tips when considering the purchase of a cellular phone and wireless plan.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Checklist for opening a bank or credit union account
Information you need to know when opening a checking or savings account bank or credit union.
Choosing a Career or Vocational School
Information from the Federal Trade Commission for consumers when considering vocational schools and career options.
Consumer Fotonovelas
As part of it's ongoing effort to raise awareness about scams targeting the Latino community, the FTC has developed a series of “fotonovelas” in Spanish. The stories are based on complaints to the FTC from Spanish speakers throughout the nation and offer practical tips to help detect and stop common scams.
Consumer.gov
Comprehensive resouce for consumer information from the federal government
Consumer Information from the Federal Trade Commission
This section of the FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics. The information here can help you avoid rip-offs and exercise your consumer rights.
Consumer Protection Relating to Automobiles
Various brochures from the Federal Trade Commission containing information consumers should be aware of relating to automobiles.
Do Not Call List
Informational brochure on the Do Not Call law, which allows Pennsylvania residents to avoid unwanted telemarketing calls to their homes. Telemarketers are prohibited from calling anyone whose name is on the statewide Do Not Call list. [PDF]
Facebook Hack Tips
The Pennsylvania Attorney General provides consumers with tips on how to protect themselves from identity theft or other harm related to hacks where there personal information may have been illegally accessed or disclosed.
FHA Reverse Mortgages (HECMs) for Seniors
Information about the FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. The HECM is FHA's reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home's equity.
Financial Planners or Scammers
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about solicitations from so-called experts offering financial and estate planning services.
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
Going, Going, Gone–Shopping On-line Auctions
The Pennsylvania Attorney General offers tips to help you know how to shop using online auction websites.
Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
Informational booklet on the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act that creates safeguards for consumers who hire contractors for home remodeling projects. [PDF]
How can I tell the difference between e-mails from companies I do business with and scams trying to rip me off?
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offering information on how to avoid email scams.
How to Spot a Fraudulent Investment Scheme
Information pointing out here are some common “red flags” to help you spot fraudulent investment schemes.
Informational Brochures from the PA Attorney General
Informational brochures and publlications available from the PA Attorney General
Manufactured Housing and Standards - Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about standards for manufactured housing (mobile home) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Online Reviews and Recommendations
This video from the Federal Trade Commission describes how consumers can evaluate online reviews and recommendations when shopping.
Puppy Lemon Law
Informational brochure designed to help dog sellers, purchasers, and veterinarians understand the Dog Purchaser Protection Act (Puppy Lemon Law), that establishes the basic standards and resposibilities that each of the parties must meet. [PDF]
Report a Mail Crime
If you have witnessed or fallen victim to a mail-related crime, take action by filing a report of the incident. Find the right form, appropriate for your situation, to file in order to report the criminal conduct.
Rights and Resources for Consumers of All Ages
Reference guide for all consumers regarding how to avoid scams and frauds.
Selecting financial products and services
Different financial products or services can help you meet a specific goal or need. This guide can help you understand different types of products that can meet a specific goal or need and where to get them.
Telemarketing Information You Need to Know
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offering some information for you about telemarketing calls.
Tips for Paying off Those Holiday Bills
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offering tips to help you get control of your finances and deal with holiday spending.
Victim Help Resources
Resources from the United States Postal Inspection Service, an agency that is dedicated to treating every crime victim with compassion, fairness, and respect while protecting their dignity and privacy.
Ways to pay your bills
Information on different bill payment options and their potential advantages and disadvantages.
Ways to receive your money
Information on the different ways you can receive your wages including advantages and disadvantages of each.
What are my rights as a consumer when I join a health club?
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on your rights and responsibilities when joining a health club.
Work at Home Schemes
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about the pitfalls of many offers of big money from working at home.
Your Right to Rescind
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General concerning the circumstances where you have a right to rescind or cancel certain types of contracts.