Consumer Protection

Senator Lieberman's Constituent Service Center regularly receives the following questions regarding consumer protection. If your question is not answered here, please send an email so that his staff may address your concern.

• Who should I contact if I have a complaint against a company about a product or service I have purchased?
• What are the most common types of consumer complaints received by Senator Lieberman's Constituent Service Center?
• Where can I go if I have a complaint against a bank or credit union?
• Where can I go for information on credit reports and credit billing problems?
• Can Senator Lieberman help me resolve my consumer complaint?
• What information do I need to provide for the Constituent Service Center to review my complaint? 
• I want to make sure a contractor I am doing business with is    licensed in Connecticut. Where can I verify a contractor license?  
• Q: I see a lot of advertisements for financial help but want to get trusted and correct information. Where can I find legitimate and helpful financial tips?

Q: What new consumer protections are provided by the Card Act which took effect on August 22, 2010?

Consumers can learn more about changes to their credit card accounts by accessing the Federal Reserve System’s new online publication “What You Need to Know: New Credit Card Rules Effective August 22, 2010 here. This publication explains key changes consumers can expect from their credit card companies. Additional information about credit cards can be found on the Federal Reserve Board’s web site here.

Q: Who should I contact if I have a complaint against a company about a product or service I have purchased?

The first step you should take is to contact the company in question. Most large companies have a consumer response department to assist in resolving complaints. When dealing with a smaller company, a supervisor, a manager, or even an owner may be available to help resolve the issue to keep you as a loyal customer.

If that does not resolve the problem, you may also be able to obtain advice or direct assistance from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Connecticut Attorney General's Office, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Better Business Bureau.

Q: What are the most common types of consumer complaints received by Senator Lieberman's Constituent Service Center?

Complaints about used cars and home contractors are common issues affecting Connecticut residents. The Department of Consumer Protection offers "fact sheets" on how to resolve these and many other types of complaints.

Q: Where can I go if I have a complaint against a bank or credit union?

All banks and credit unions have a charter that allows them to operate. Depending on the specific charter of your bank, it may be regulated by the Department of Banking, the Federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Connecticut Department of Banking will be able to identify for you the proper regulatory agency.

Q: Where can I go for information on credit reports and credit billing problems?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that provides consumers the opportunity to dispute and correct errors that appear on their credit reports and may hinder their ability to obtain credit in the future. The Federal Trade Commission offers the most comprehensive information on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, and what you can do to preserve and protect your credit.

Q: Can Senator Lieberman help me resolve my consumer complaint?

While Senator Lieberman has no authority to compel a company to resolve a consumer complaint, the Constituent Service Center will be happy to review your complaint to provide advice and assistance wherever possible.

Q: What information do I need to provide for the Constituent Service Center to review my complaint?

All that is necessary is for you to complete this form, click here. In plain language, please let the Constituent Service Center know:

1) when and where you purchased the product or service,
2) the problems you have encountered,
3) whom you have already contacted to try to resolve the problem, and
4) what responses you have received from those contacts.

In certain cases, the Constituent Service Center may require receipts, a signed Privacy Act Release form, or additional documentation. A staff member will contact you as soon as possible if additional material or information is required.

Q: I want to make sure a contractor I am doing business with is licensed in Connecticut. Where can I verify a contractor license?

Connecticut consumers can check the credentials of any licensed worker in the state by visiting the new Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s eLicense center here. This email tool allows you to verify the licenses of Connecticut plumbers, realtors, architects, electricians, health care practitioners, and many others.

Q: I see a lot of advertisements for financial help but want to get trusted and correct information. Where can I find legitimate and helpful financial tips?

Constituent who want to improve their financial literacy should visit the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Literacy and Education Commission’s website. There you can find all the basics of financial education including information on home buying, mortgages, loans, savings, and investing your money. You may also call the Commission’s toll-free hotline at 1-888-MYMONEY from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) to order informational packets.