For Consumers

The Office of Consumer Protection enforces Montana's consumer protection laws and regulations related to:

• deceptive and misleading advertising, including "bait and switch" and false claims
• unfair acts by a business, including changing a contract after a sale, abusive arbitration and debt collection misconduct
• door-to-door sales
• telemarketing, including running Montana's do-not-call list
• car and truck sales and repair, including the New Vehicle Warranty Act (or Lemon Law) violations
• antitrust issues, including price fixing, monopoly abuse and restraint of trade

In some cases, the Office of Consumer Protection is not the correct place to seek assistance. See Common Problems: Who to Contact for the appropriate place to seek help.

Legal Representation

The Office of Consumer Protection cannot act as your private attorney. State law prohibits the office from giving individual citizens legal advice or opinions, or acting as their private attorney.

If you believe that you need legal advice, you will have to turn to another source such as a private attorney, legal aid society or other organization. The State Bar of Montana or Montana Legal Services Association may be able to offer referrals or other information. Also see Other Sources of Assistance for more information on public and private resources available to help consumers.

Contact Consumer Protection