File a Complaint

Solving Consumer Problems

DCCA promotes a strong and healthy business environment while protecting the community from deceptive and unfair business practices.

If you’ve purchased a product, service, or investment that you’re not satisfied with, these are the steps that you can take.

Here are some suggestions to resolving a consumer problem:

Call
Contact the company that sold you the product, service, or investment. Don’t forget to keep a record of your conversations:

a. Who did you speak with?

b. When did the conversation take place?

c. What action did they promise?

If this doesn’t work, sometimes you can contact the manufacturer. Many companies have a toll-free number on their product label. They often appreciate your input to identify how they can improve their product or service.

Write
Write a letter to the company.

a. Include all the facts. Make sure you are clear and concise.

b. Attach copies of documents (i.e., sales receipts, warranties, cancelled checks, contracts). Don’t send original documents.

c. You may want to send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested as proof that the company received the letter.

File a complaint
If your letter doesn’t help to resolve the problem:

File a complaint with DCCA. Click on the links below for complaint information on the different areas under our jurisdiction.

Tips for Consumers

1. Know who you’re dealing with. Go to www.businesscheck.hawaii.gov to check if a business name is registered, professional license information, general excise tax information, and to obtain information on the complaints history of a person or business.

2. Read the fine print. Get all promises in writing. Read your contract before signing, and make sure you understand what you’re signing. Make a copy of any document you sign and save it in your files.

3. Protect your personal information. Give your personal information only to companies you trust and do business with. If you think your identity has been compromised, check out the ID Theft link for more information on what you can do.

4. Take your time. Be wary of companies that say you must “act now” if you don’t want to lose out on the deal. Most legitimate deals will be here tomorrow.