Attorney General Chris Carr recognized last week as National Consumer Protection Week by highlighting his office’s continued efforts to protect Georgia consumers from scams, fraud, and dishonest business practices.

“Our Consumer Protection Division works diligently to educate and protect Georgia consumers, and we continue to produce exceptional results,” said Carr. “Last year, we traveled the state to share important tips on how to avoid scams, and we recovered funds for those who have fallen victim to dishonest business practices. During National Consumer Protection Week, we encourage Georgians to take advantage of the many resources we offer so you can ensure your personal and financial information is kept safe.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division receives consumer complaints and investigates those businesses that demonstrate a pattern or practice of unlawful behavior.

Enforcement efforts include legal settlements, mediation, and administration of the Georgia Lemon Law.

From the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, to date, settlements with the Attorney General's Office have resulted in payments to the State Treasury in the amount of $23,103,127. Additional information can be found here.

Last year, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division:

• Participated in more than 20 live speaking engagements and webinars, connecting with nearly 800 Georgians throughout the state;

• Distributed nearly 17,000 copies of its Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults; and

• Reached over 1 million consumers through its two dedicated websites.

Join CPD in Columbus for a Live Panel Discussion on Scam Prevention

On March 12, 2024, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division will join representatives from the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and the AARP for an expert panel discussion in Columbus, Georgia. Topics will include identity theft, online security, scam prevention, and more. Register here.

If you’re interested in having the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division speak to your group, download a speaker request form here.

Download CPD’s Free Consumer Protection Guides 

Created in 2018 by Carr’s Consumer Protection Division, the Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults empowers older Georgians by providing them with critical information about scams, identity theft, reverse mortgages, home repairs, long-term care, elder abuse, and more. The guide is available in English, Spanish and Korean. Download your free copy here.

The Consumer Protection Division also offers Cybersecurity in Georgia: A Guide for Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Places of Worship. This guide includes critical tips and information on the different types of cyber threats, protecting your data and network, training employees about cybersecurity, planning for and responding to a security breach, cyber insurance, and more. Download your free copy here.

Connect with CPD Online

For information on a wide variety of consumer topics, including tips on how to avoid a scam, visit Consumer.ga.gov.

To access valuable information about your home, car, credit and finances, visit ConsumerEd.ga.gov.

Georgians can also view and subscribe to “Ask Consumer Ed,” the bi-weekly blog that includes Consumer Protection Division responses to consumer-submitted questions.

Follow Attorney General Carr’s official social media accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on the latest news, including important and timely consumer alerts.

If you think you have encountered a scam, fraud or dishonest business practices, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 404-651-8600 or visit our website here.

Learn the Red Flags of a Scam

With con artists constantly adapting to new technology, trends and current events, it’s important for Georgians to familiarize themselves with some of the common characteristics of a scam.

• Being asked to pay via gift card, wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or cryptocurrency. Scammers prefer these payment methods because they’re virtually impossible to trace.

• Being asked to provide sensitive information, such as your financial account information, usernames, passwords, PINs, Social Security number, or insurance ID number.

• Scare tactics or pressure to act immediately (e.g., your computer has been hacked, your loved one is in danger, you’re going to be arrested if you don’t send money now, or this amazing deal is only good for today).

• Being asked to pay money for any reason in order to receive a prize.

• Promises that sound too good to be true (e.g., an investment deal with zero risk and a guaranteed high pay-off).

It may be difficult to get your money back once it’s in the hands of a scammer, but there are certain steps you can take to boost your chances of recovering your funds. Visit our website here to learn more about what to do if you have lost money in a scam.