File a Complaint
The Complaint Process:
Most people, at some point in their lives, will encounter an unscrupulous salesperson, a defective or unsafe product or will simply feel like they have been taken. Once taken in, it's embarrassing for some of us to admit because we feel we should have known better. But you owe it to yourself to complain and have the problem resolved. It is preferable that you try to resolve your own complaint before you file a complaint with the Alaska Attorney General's Office. The following are instructions on how to do so. If you have exhausted your efforts to resolve the problem without success, you may wish to contact the Better Business Bureau for assistance.
How To Handle Your Own Complaint:
Identify the problem: Before you complain to a company, be sure to identify the problem, what (if anything) you have already done to resolve it, and decide what you think is a fair settlement. Do you want your money back? Would you like the product repaired? Do you want the product exchanged?
Gather records: Start a file about your complaint. Include copies of sales receipts, repair orders, warranties, canceled checks, and contracts that will back up your complaint and help the company solve your problem.
Go back to where you made the purchase. Contact the person who sold you the item or performed the service. Calmly and accurately explain the problem and what action you would like taken. If that person is not helpful, ask for the supervisor or manager and restate your case. A large percentage of consumer problems are resolved at this level. Chances are, yours will be too.
Allow each person you contact time to resolve your problem before contacting another source of assistance.
Keep a record of your efforts and include notes about whom you spoke with and what was done about the problem. Save copies of any letters you send to the company as well as letters sent to you.
Don't give up: If you are not satisfied with the response, don't give up. If the company operates nationally or the product is a national brand, call or write a letter to the person responsible for consumer complaints at the company's headquarters, i.e., the company's public relations representative or president. Many companies have toll-free telephone numbers, often printed on the product. Before phoning a company long distance, it might be worthwhile to see if the firm has an "800" number that you can dial toll free. To determine this, call AT&T's "800" directory assistance at 1-800-555-1212.
Writing A Complaint Letter:
- The letter should include your name, address, home and work telephone numbers, and account number, if appropriate.
- Make your letter brief and to the point. Specify all the important facts about your purchase, including the date and place you made the purchase and any information you can give about the product -- such as the serial or model number. If you are writing to complain about a service you received, describe the service and who performed it.
- State exactly what you want done about the problem and how long you are willing to wait to resolve it. Be reasonable.
- Include copies of all documents regarding your problem. Be sure to send COPIES, not originals.
- Don't write an angry, sarcastic, or threatening letter. The person reading your letter probably was not responsible for your problem, but may be very helpful in resolving it.
- Type your letter if possible. If it is handwritten, make sure it is neat and easy to read.
- Keep a copy of all correspondence to and from the company.
Click here to view a SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER - PDF(25KB)
Click here to download the COMPLAINT FORM (*NEW!) - PDF(761KB)
Click here to download the MOTOR VEHICLE COMPLAINT FORM (*NEW!) - PDF(870KB)
* NOTE: Some of our forms have been updated to be more interactive. Now you can type your information directly onto the form, save a copy on your computer or print a copy to fill out by hand.
