Mayor's Office-Neighborhood City Halls Administration

The City Looks Out For Its Residents

Mar 01, 2004

Whether a Detroit resident has a complaint about a local business or a complaint about local government the City of Detroit can assist. The Consumer Affairs Department educates consumers on how to protect against fraud and dishonest practices and addresses complaints.

It's fun to shop 'til you drop, but buyer beware! That's the messaged of Detroit's Consumer Affairs Department. The department is committed to educating the public about fraud and dishonest business practices. The ultimate goal is to teach consumers how to protect themselves when they shop for goods and services. The Consumer Affairs Department often works closely with other organizations, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the American Association of Retired Persons and Michigan State University, to bring educational workshops, forums and special events directly to consumers.

The department also conducts investigations of consumer complaints about fraud. Consumer Affairs provides vital information and assists individuals victimized by unsavory business practices. Additionally, the department mediates complaints between consumers and businesses.

In this age of emerging technologies, consumers can shop for goods and services from their kitchen tables and armchairs! Shopping over the cable system, the internet, via telemarketing or by direct mail is all to easy. Consumers need not take chances with companies that are unfamiliar with. Consumers unsure about the track record of a company can contact the Detroit Consumer Affairs Department and the Better Business Bureau.

The Consumer Affairs Department has a number of publications to help Detroiters become wise consumers. The include the Complaint Referral Guide, the Home Improvement Guide, the Michigan Consumer Protection Act and the Michigan Item Pricing Law.

To obtain more information contact the City of Detroit Consumer Affairs Department @ (313) 224-3508.