Consumer Resources & Referrals List

Individual Legal Representation Referrals & Resources

Legal Aid DC

 

DC Bar

  • https://www.dcbar.org
  • Phone:  Free Legal Information Help Line at 202.626.3499; Main Number at 202.737.4700
  • DC Bar Pro Bono Center,  Free Legal Help: https://www.dcbar.org/pro-bono/free-legal-help
  • A few logistics:
    • Location: Bread for the City Michelle Obama Southeast Center, 1700 Good Luck Road SE, WDC
    • Parking: Street parking
    • Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (depending on demand)
    • Masks: Required by venue
       

Bar Association of DC

 

DC Superior Court: Information & Resources for Representing Yourself in DC Superior Court: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/represent-yourself

  • DC Superior Court Civil Actions Branch: 202.879.1133
  • DC Superior Court Small Claims Branch: 202.879.1120

 

DC Debt Collection Defense Hotline (joint project of Legal Aid & Tzedek DC, in collaboration w/ Catholic Charities Legal Network, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, & Neighborhood Legal Services Program): Call 202.851.3387

 

Small Claims Resource Center Hotline (project of Neighborhood Legal Services Program) (for general questions about small claims court proceedings for both plaintiffs and defendants): Call 202.849.3608

 

Legal Information & Legal Services Provider Directory: www.Lawhelp.org/DC

 

DC REFERS: Online directory of lawyers offering reduced-fee services to people of modest means at https://www.dcrefers.org/

 

National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)

 

Other Places to File a Consumer-Related Complaint

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

  • https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions.
  • You can submit a CFPB complaint about We currently accept complaints about: Checking and savings accounts; Credit cards; Credit repair services; Credit reports and other personal consumer reports; Debt collection; Debt settlement; Money transfers, virtual currency, and money services; Mortgages; Payday loans; Personal loans like installment and title loans’ Prepaid cards; Student loans; Vehicle loans or leases/
  • File a CFPB complaint online at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/, or call 855.411.2372.

 

USA.gov

 

NAAG – National Association of Attorneys General – list of AG offices

 

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

 

 

Contact Information for DC Government Agencies

Need to Contact a District of Columbia Agency – Visit the DC.gov Agency Directory at https://dc.gov/directory

Customer Service Contacts at Major Companies/Industries

Trying to Find Contact Information for Customer Service at Major Companies – Visit the Elliot Report’s Company Contact list at https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/

 

Consumer Referrals and Resources by Subject Matter

Airline Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Airline Carriers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#airline

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):  File a Consumer Complaint

  • DOT recommends trying to resolve the consumer issue with the airline, before filing a DOT complaint.
  • DOT consumer complaint form: https://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/ConsumerForm.cfm

 

Automobile Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Car Manufacturers:  https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#auto-manufacturer

DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)

DC Lemon Law Information: https://oag.dc.gov/consumer-protection/consumer-alert-lemon-law

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line: https://bbbprograms.org/programs/all-programs/bbb-autoline

  • BBB Auto Line is a free dispute resolution program for the vehicle owners of participating manufacturers. BBB Auto Line helps setter vehicle warranty disputes without the need for an attorney by offering mediation and arbitration services to resolve automotive warranty, lemon law, class action, and other manufacturer disputes.
  • BBB Auto Line claim form

 

Bank/Financial Institutions

Customer Service Contacts for Major Bank/Financial Institutions:  https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#bank-financial-institution

 

DC Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB)

  • DISB regulates the following financial services entities: 1)insurance companies, insurance producers, health maintenance organizations, captive insurance companies, and risk retention groups; 2) investment advisers, investment adviser representatives, broker-dealers, broker-dealer agents, securities issuers, and agents of issuers; and 3) District and state-chartered banks, mortgage lenders and brokers, mortgage loan originators, check cashers, money transmitters, consumer sales finance companies, money lenders, appraisal management companies, student loan servicers, and consumer service contract organizations.
  • DISB Services & Resources: https://disb.dc.gov/
  • File a DISB Consumer Complaint: https://disb.dc.gov/page/consumer-services-division

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

 

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

 

US Department of the Treasury: Personal Finance and Consumer Protection Information and Resources: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/consumer-policy/personal-finance-and-consumer-protection-steps-for-quicker-financial-relief

 

 

Cable/Internet Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Cable Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#cable

Customer Service Contacts for Major Internet Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#internet

Comcast

 

Cell Phone/Telecom Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Telecom Provides: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#telecom

 

Civil Rights/Discrimination

OAG Civil Rights resources:

 

DC Office of Human Rights (DC OHR)

 

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division

 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - (Federal)

 

Credit Card Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Credit Card Companies: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#credit-card

 

Instructions/Education on How to Dispute Credit Card Charges from the FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/using-credit-cards-disputing-charges

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

 

Credit Repair: Credit Scores & Credit Reporting

How to Get a Free Copy of Your Credit Report:

 

How to Find Out Your Credit Score; Information from the FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-scores

 

Tzedek DC, Legal Help for People in Debt

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Employment

OAG Workers’ Rights & Antifraud Resources

  • https://oag.dc.gov/worker-rights
  • Workers@dc.gov
  • Trabajadores@dc.gov
  • Phone: 202.727.3400 

 

Washington Lawyers’ Committee Workers’ Rights Clinic

 

  • Assists any worker with an employment related matter including unpaid wages, discrimination, family and medical leave act (FMLA violations), unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, sexual harassment, barriers to employment, and sick leave violations.
  • Phone: 202.319.1040, 202.319.1000 ext. 118
  • Email: clinic@washlaw.org
  • https://www.washlaw.org/clinic

 

DC Office of Wage-Hour Compliance

  • https://does.dc.gov/service/office-wage-hour-compliance-0
  • The Office of Wage-Hour conducts compliance audits and works to recover unpaid wages for employees who have not been paid pursuant to DC wage laws, either administratively or through court action. Wage-Hour compliance involves ensuring adherence to the wage laws of the District of Columbia by holding employers accountable to the laws. Investigates employee claims for minimum wage, unpaid overtime, accrued sick and safe leave, and living wage matters.
  • Phone: 202.671.1880
  • Intake Form: https://does.dc.gov/page/office-wage-hour-employees

 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

 

Healthcare-related Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Healthcare Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#healthcare

 

DC Department of Health

 

Medicare.gov

  • File a complaint about: 1) a doctor, hospital, or provider; 2) your health or drug plan; 3) your quality of care; 4) complaints about dialysis for kidney transplant care; 5) file a complaint about durable medical equipment.

 

The Joint Commission

 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • FDA is responsible for ensuring that foods are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. It also oversees medicines, medical devices (from bandages to artificial hearts), blood products, vaccines, cosmetics, animal food (including pet food) and animal drugs, and electronic products that emit radiation (such as microwave ovens and video monitors). FDA also regulates tobacco products.
  • Report a Problem to the FDA: https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda

 

Home Improvement / Construction Disputes

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)

 

DC Department of Buildings (DOB)

 

Housing Disputes (Homeowners & Tenants)

Resources for Homeowners

 

DC Department of Housing and Community Development

  • DHCD) is to produce and preserve opportunities for affordable housing and economic development and to revitalize underserved communities in the District of Columbia.
  • https://dhcd.dc.gov/

 

DC Legal Aid Society (LAS)

 

DC Homeowner Assistance Fund (DC HAF)

  • https://haf.dc.gov/
  • Phone: 202.540.7407
  • The DC HAF uses funding from the American Rescue Plan to provide grants to District Homeowners who have been affected by COVID-19 to help keep their home. The financial assistance program is accessed via a digital portal, that serves as a one-stop shop, providing grants to District homeowners impacted by COVID-19 who are struggling with their mortgage payments and other property or housing expenses.

 

DC Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) – Age 60+

 

Housing Counseling Services, Inc. (HCS)

  • https://housingetc.org/
  • HCS provides comprehensive housing counseling, training, advocacy, technical assistance and housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income home buyers, homeowners, and tenants; to help them achieve successful living in healthy, safe, and affordable homes.
  • HCS Contact Information:
    • General Housing Information: 202.667.7706
      Email: info@housingetc.org
    • Rental Assistance Hotline: .202.667.7339
    • Cooperative and Condominium Department: 202.667.7608 or jadehall@adminhousing
    • Foreclosure Prevention Department: 202.265.2255 or foreclosure@housingetc.org
    • Emergency Rental Assistance: Contact the DC Department of Human Services to apply: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov or call DHS at 202.507.6666
    • Home Purchase Assistance Programs: 202.667.7706 or info@housingetc.org
    • Services for  Personas Living with HIV or AIDS: 202.900.9471 or mhap@housingetc.org or tbra@housingetc.org or efaprogram@housingetc.org
    • Supportive Services for Veteran Families: 202.667.7366 or ssvfprogram@housingetc.org
    • Tenant Services Department: 202.900.9464 or tenants@housingetc.org

Resources for Renters

 

DC OAG Tenant Resources: SocialJustice@dc.gov

Report Housing Discrimination: If District residents experience housing discrimination—like landlords not accepting housing vouchers—they can report it to:

 

DC Superior Court Landlord & Tenant Resources/Information: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/civil-matters/landlord-tenant

 

District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA)

  • https://www.dchousing.org/wordpress/
  • If a resident believes that DCHA has taken an action or failed to take an action that adversely affects their rights, duties, welfare or status and the resident has tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issue directly with the housing manager or office involved, the resident may file a grievance with the DCHA Office of fair Hearings, or the management office of the property in which they reside within one year of the action to be grieved.

 

DC Legal Aid Society (LAS)

 

DC Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) – Age 60+

 

DC Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA)

  • https://ota.dc.gov/
  • OTA provides financial assistance for certain emergency housing and relocation expenses to tenants displaced by fires, floods, or government closures and OTA provides in-house representation for tenants in certain cases; and refers other cases to pro bono or contracted legal service providers and attorneys. 
  • Phone: 202.719.6560 or 711

 

Housing Counseling Services, Inc. (HCS)

  • https://housingetc.org/
  • HCS provides comprehensive housing counseling, training, advocacy, technical assistance and housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income home buyers, homeowners, and tenants; to help them achieve successful living in healthy, safe, and affordable homes.
  • HCS Contact Information:
    • General Housing Information: 202.667.7706
      Email: info@housingetc.org
    • Rental Assistance Hotline: .202.667.7339
    • Cooperative and Condominium Department: 202.667.7608 or jadehall@adminhousing
    • Foreclosure Prevention Department: 202.265.2255 or foreclosure@housingetc.org
    • Emergency Rental Assistance: Contact the DC Department of Human Services to apply: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov or call DHS at 202.507.6666
    • Home Purchase Assistance Programs: 202.667.7706 or info@housingetc.org
    • Services for  Personas Living with HIV or AIDS: 202.900.9471 or mhap@housingetc.org or tbra@housingetc.org or efaprogram@housingetc.org
    • Supportive Services for Veteran Families: 202.667.7366 or ssvfprogram@housingetc.org
    • Tenant Services Department: 202.900.9464 or tenants@housingetc.org

 

Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTAN)

 

Bread for the City

  • https://breadforthecity.org/
  • Bread for the City’s Legal Clinic provides advice and representation to DC residents living with low-incomes and by helping tenants in landlord-tenant and subsidized housing cases.
  • Southeast Center - 1700 Good Hope Road SE, DC 20020
  • Northwest Center - 1525 7th Street NW, DC 20001
  • Phone: 202.386.7616 

 

Neighborhood Legal Services Program  (NLSP)

  • https://nlsp.org/
  • NLSP is a nonprofit legal services organization that provides free legal information, advice and representation to low-income District of Columbia residents on civil legal matters.
  • Phone: 202.832.6577
  • Intake Form: https://www.nlsp.org/contact/inquiry-form

 

Rising for Justice

  • Website:  https://risingforjustice.org/
  • Rising for Justice advocates for tenants in the District to avoid displacement and enforce their rights. If you have a hearing at Landlord and Tenant Court or have to file a document at Landlord and Tenant Court, you may come to our courthouse office to seek assistance on your court date or the day your filing is due.
  • Phone: 202.638.4798

 

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

  • https://www.legalclinic.org/
  • Provides Legal Assistance for anyone in DC who is either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
  • Phone: 202.328.5500
  • Intake Form: https://www.legalclinic.org/contact-us/

 

DC Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

  • https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/
  • The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. The amount paid on behalf of eligible households depends on a household's income and available resources and is subject to certain limitations.
  • Phone: 202.641.4200
  • Intake Form: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/ScreeningTool/Screening

 

Catholic Charities

  • www.catholiccharitiesdc.org
  • Catholic Charities offers many different housing programs designed to work with families and adults who are experiencing homelessness and/or trying to recover from substance abuse or mental health challenges.
  • Phone: 202.338.3100

 

Hotel & Travel Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Major Hotel Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#hotel

 

Customer Service Contacts for Major Airlines: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#airline

 

Customer Service Contacts for Major Cruise Lines: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#cruise-line

 

Customer Service Contacts for Major Car Rental Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#car-rental

 

Customer Service Contacts for Major Online Travel Booking Sites: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#online-travel-booking-sites

 

Customer Service Contacts for Major Travel Agencies: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#travel-agency

 

Customer Service Contacts for Major Tour Operators: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#tour-operator

 

USA.gov: Resources for filing a complaint about an airline, travel agency, hotel, or U.S. Embassy or Consulate

 

Identity Theft: Personal Identity Theft & Data Breaches

File a Local Police Report: DC Metropolitan Police Department

 

When Your Personal Information is Lost or Exposed Through a Data Breach

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • The FBI IC3 is the central hub for reporting cyber crime. The public may file a complaint with the IC3 when they believe that they have been the victim of an internet crime.
  • File an IC3 complaint online: https://www.ic3.gov/home/filecomplaint

 

US Department of Justice (DOJ) – Advice  on What to do if You Are a Victim of Identity Theft or Identity Fraud: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/identity-theft/identity-theft-and-identity-fraud

 

Insurance Disputes

DC Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB)

  • DISB regulates the following financial services entities: 1)insurance companies, insurance producers, health maintenance organizations, captive insurance companies, and risk retention groups; 2) investment advisers, investment adviser representatives, broker-dealers, broker-dealer agents, securities issuers, and agents of issuers; and 3) District and state-chartered banks, mortgage lenders and brokers, mortgage loan originators, check cashers, money transmitters, consumer sales finance companies, money lenders, appraisal management companies, student loan servicers, and consumer service contract organizations.
  • DISB Services & Resources: https://disb.dc.gov/
  • File a DISB Consumer Complaint: https://disb.dc.gov/page/consumer-services-division

 

DC Office of the Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights

  • The DC Office of the Health Care Ombudsman provides assistance to consumers with health insurance questions or problems.
  • Phone: 202.724.7491, or 1.877.685.6391
  • Email: healthcareombudsman@dc.gov

 

Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF)

  • DHCF can help if you have a hard time affording health coverage or if you have questions about eligibility for Medicaid or about current Medicaid benefits.
  • 202.442.5988
  • https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid

 

US Department of Labor

  • If you have a question, complaint, or dispute regarding insurance through a “self-insured” employer (typically a large company or one with locations in multiple states or countries, Labor may be able to help.
  • 866.444.3272
  • http://www.askebsa.dol.gov

 

Junk Mail

How to Get Less Postal Mail & Email  From Marketers:

  • FTC education info: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-junk-mail
  • Consumers can register at the Direct Marketing Association’s consumer website, https://www.dmachoice.org/, and choose what catalogs, magazine offers and other mail they want to get. DMAchoice will stop most, but not all, promotional mail. This service costs a $4 processing fee, and the registration lasts for 10 years.
  • If you do not have online access, register by sending your name and address (with signature), along with a $5 processing fee (check or money order payable to the Association of National Advertisers or ANA) to:

DMAchoice
Consumer Preferences
P.O. Box 900
Cos Cob, CT 06807

 

 

How to Stop Credit  Card and Insurance Offers:

  • If you don't want to get prescreened offers of credit and insurance in the mail, you have two choices for opting out of those offers:
    • To opt out for five years: Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). The phone number and website are operated by the major credit bureaus.
    • To opt out permanently: Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) to start the process. But to complete your request, you’ll need to sign and return the Permanent Opt-Out Election form you’ll get after you’ve started the process.
    • When you call or visit optoutprescreen.com, they’ll ask for your personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Sharing your Social Security number and date of birth is optional, but the website says that giving this information can help them ensure that they can successfully process your request. It says the information you give is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.

Licensing & Permitting

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)

 

DC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Money-Lending & Money Lending Apps

DC Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB)

  • DISB regulates the following financial services entities: 1)insurance companies, insurance producers, health maintenance organizations, captive insurance companies, and risk retention groups; 2) investment advisers, investment adviser representatives, broker-dealers, broker-dealer agents, securities issuers, and agents of issuers; and 3) District and state-chartered banks, mortgage lenders and brokers, mortgage loan originators, check cashers, money transmitters, consumer sales finance companies, money lenders, appraisal management companies, student loan servicers, and consumer service contract organizations.
  • DISB Services & Resources: https://disb.dc.gov/
  • File a DISB Consumer Complaint: https://disb.dc.gov/page/consumer-services-division

 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

  • https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions.
  • You can submit a CFPB complaint about We currently accept complaints about: Checking and savings accounts; Credit cards; Credit repair services; Credit reports and other personal consumer reports; Debt collection; Debt settlement; Money transfers, virtual currency, and money services; Mortgages; Payday loans; Personal loans like installment and title loans’ Prepaid cards; Student loans; Vehicle loans or leases/
  • File a CFPB complaint online at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/, or call 855.411.2372.

 

Non-Profit Issues

OAG Anti-Trust & Non-Profit Section

  • The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is officially responsible for oversight of charitable organizations and their assets in the District of Columbia, and tasked with protecting residents from fraud by charities and nonprofits.  Common examples of violations that prompt our office to bring court actions include governance violations, breaches of fiduciary duty, and diversions of nonprofit funds away from the organization’s purpose.
  • Consumers that have a nonprofit concern can email nonprofit@dc.gov

 

Public Transit Disputes

Customer Service Contacts for Mass Transit Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#mass-transit

 

DC Department of Transportation (DDOT)

 

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

 

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

  • If you believe you have been discriminated against by a public transit provider, you may file an administrative complaint with the FTA Office of Civil Rights: https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/file-complaint-fta

 

Realtor Disputes

District of Columbia Real Estate Commission

  • The District of Columbia Real Estate Commission regulates the licenses of professional real estate agents and protects consumers by upholding the District of Columbia real estate license law.
  • Phone: 202.442.4320
  • https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/real-estate-commission

 

Restaurant Disputes

DC Department of Health

 

Returning Citizens

  • Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA)
    • https://communityaffairs.dc.gov/morca
    • MORCA seeks to remove barriers to reentry and empowers residents to break the cycle of recidivism. Through MORCA case management program MORCA ensures that previously incarcerated people are connected to essential programs and services in areas such as employment, health, education, housing assistance, and social services.
    • Phone: 202.715.7670
    • Intake Form: https://dcmayor.secure.force.com/MORCARegistration

 

  • Public Defender Service (PDS)
    • https://www.pdsdc.org/
    • PDS is here to help DC Residents and Families navigate the District of Columbia’s juvenile and criminal legal systems.
    • Phone: 202.628.1200
    • Community Defender Division
      • Prisoner & Reentry Legal Services
      • Phone: 202-824-2801

 

Robocalls/Telemarketing Disputes

 

  • National Do Not Call Registry
    • The National Do Not Call Registry was created to stop sales calls from real companies. It’s free to register your home or mobile phone number.
    • https://www.donotcall.gov/
    • If you receive an unwanted call after your number was on the National Do Not Call Registry for 31 days, you can report it to the FTC: https://www.donotcall.gov/report.html

 

Scams: Lottery Scams, Charity Scams, Romance Scams, etc.

DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG)

  • https://dclottery.com/
  • OLG is the regulatory body over all licensed gaming in the District of Columbia, including Lottery, Charitable Gaming, Sports Wagering, and Games of Skill. The OLG's Regulation and Oversight Division oversees the licensing process for gaming-related activities and ensures the operational compliance of licensee.
  • Phone: 202.788-2100 and 202.645.8000
  • Online Complaint: https://dclottery.com/olg/contact-us

 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection

  • https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection
  • The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting reports from consumers and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.
  • Report a Fraud to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/
  • FTC Fraud Report FAQs: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/faq
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
    • https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
    • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions.
    • You can submit a CFPB complaint about We currently accept complaints about: Checking and savings accounts; Credit cards; Credit repair services; Credit reports and other personal consumer reports; Debt collection; Debt settlement; Money transfers, virtual currency, and money services; Mortgages; Payday loans; Personal loans like installment and title loans’ Prepaid cards; Student loans; Vehicle loans or leases/
    • File a CFPB complaint online at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/, or call 855.411.2372.

 

AARP Fraud Watch Network (for 60 years old and over)

Senior Citizen Consumer Resources

OAG Elder Justice Section

  • If you have an elder justice issue, please contact OAG’s Elder Justice Section at elder.justice@dc.gov. You can learn more about OAG’s elder justice work at https://oag.dc.gov/about-oag/our-structure-divisions/about-public-advocacy-division.

 

DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)

  • https://dacl.dc.gov/
  • Phone: 202.724.5626

 

AARP Fraud Watch Network (for 60 years old and over)

 

DC Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) – Age 60+

 

Student Loans

DC Student Loan Ombudsman

  • https://disb.dc.gov/studentloanhelp
  • The Ombudsman is an unbiased and confidential resource and evaluates the concerns of District borrowers and student loan servicers to promote collaborative solutions. The Ombudsman cannot represent borrowers or make decisions about specific loan forgiveness or repayment plans.
  • Phone: 202.727.8000

 

National Student Loan Center

 

U.S. Department of Education

  • MOHELA (Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF))
  • 866-222-7060
  • 866-222-7060

Taxes

DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)

  • https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/
  • MyTax.DC.gov
  • OTR provides a state-of-the-art, walk-in customer service facility, which is available to meet District taxpayers' needs.
  • OTR Customer Service Center, 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W270,WDC 20024
  • Phone: 202.727.4TAX (727.4829)
     

DC Office of the Taxpayer Advocate (OTA)

  • OTA works with the public to offer individual assistance, provide outreach and education to the public, stakeholders and OTR, and engage in systemic advocacy.
  • Phone: 202.442.6348
  • https://taxpayeradvocate.dc.gov/

 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Taxpayer Assistance Center

  • https://www.irs.gov/
  • Assistance with account inquiries, Basic individual tax law assistance, check, money order, or cash payments (Exact Change is Required), Departing alien clearances, Form 911 PDF, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance, Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return Identity Protection Personal Identification Number Request, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers and Form W-7 (More Information), Payment arrangements, Tax forms.
  • Phone: 844.545.5640 or local office: 202.803.9000
  • Get Help: https://www.irs.gov/help/ita

 

Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers

 

Utilities

Customer Service Contacts for Major Utilities Providers: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/#utilities

 

DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE)

           

Office of the People’s Counsel (“OPC”)

  • https://opc-dc.gov/
  • The Office of the People’s Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government. By law, it is the advocate for consumers of natural gas, electric and telephone services in the District. District of Columbia law designates the Office as a party to all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission. The Office also represents the interests of District ratepayers before federal regulatory agencies. The Office is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility companies independent of any pending proceeding.
  • File a Complaint Online: https://opc-dc.gov/file-a-complaint/
  • Phone: 202.727.3071
  • Email: info@opc-dc.gov

 

Public Service Commission for the District of Columbia (DCPSC)

  • https://dcpsc.org/
  • The DCPSC has jurisdiction over the electric (Pepco), natural gas (Washington Gas) and local telephone (Verizon) companies in the District.
    • Electric
      Pepco has a monopoly over the distribution of electricity to consumers, but the Commission also regulates Competitive Electric Generation and Transmission Suppliers who supply the generation and interstate transmission of electricity to Pepco’s distribution system.
    • Natural Gas
      Washington Gas, a WGL company, has a monopoly over the distribution of natural gas to consumers, but the Commission also regulates Competitive Commodity Gas Suppliers who supply the natural gas that flows through WGL’s pipes and mains.
    • Local Landline Telephone
      Verizon provides landline telephone service to the District. The Commission also regulates Competitive Local Exchange Carriers.
  • Phone: 202.626.5100
  • Submit a Question to DCPSC online: https://dcpsc.org/About-PSC/About-the-Commission/Contact-Us.aspx

 

Pepco

 

DC Water

 

Washington Gas Light Company

 

​​​​​​​DC Water and Sewer (DC – WASA)

 

​​​​​​​The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL)

  • https://www.gwul.org/
  • GWUL is in partnership with DC Water and PEPCO to provide assistance to families needing assistance with their electric and gas bills. Through the program families can apply for up to $500 for Electric and Gas and up to $350 for their water bill once per year to help pay for their utilities.
  • Phone: 202.265.8200
  • Intake Form: https://www.gwul.org/emergency-services

Veterans

DC Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs

 

US Department of Veterans Affairs

 

FTC Military Consumer Protection Resources: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/military-consumer-protection

 

Wire Fraud

FTC Advice What to Know Before You Wire Money: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/you-wire-money

 

If you sent money using a wire transfer company like MoneyGram or Western Union, contact that company right away. Tell them it was a fraudulent transfer. Ask them to reverse the wire transfer and give you your money back.

  • MoneyGram at 1-800-926-9400
  • Western Union at  1-800-448-1492
  • Ria (non-Walmart transfers) at 1-877-443-1399
  • Ria (Walmart2Walmart and Walmart2World transfers) at 1-855-355-2144

 

If you sent the wire transfer through your bank, contact them and report the fraudulent transfer. Ask if they can reverse the wire transfer and give you your money back.

 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

  • https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions.
  • You can submit a CFPB complaint about We currently accept complaints about: Checking and savings accounts; Credit cards; Credit repair services; Credit reports and other personal consumer reports; Debt collection; Debt settlement; Money transfers, virtual currency, and money services; Mortgages; Payday loans; Personal loans like installment and title loans’ Prepaid cards; Student loans; Vehicle loans or leases/
  • File a CFPB complaint online at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/, or call 855.411.2372.

 

File a Local Police Report: DC Metropolitan Police Department

 

​​​​​​​When Your Personal Information is Lost or Exposed Through a Data Breach

 

​​​​​​​Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • The FBI IC3 is the central hub for reporting cyber crime. The public may file a complaint with the IC3 when they believe that they have been the victim of an internet crime.
  • File an IC3 complaint online: https://www.ic3.gov/home/filecomplaint