The Office of Consumer Affairs, established in 1972, was transferred to the Office of the Attorney General in 1979. The major duties of the office are to enforce the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other criminal laws to combat consumer fraud; and to offer programs in consumer education. In response to a myriad of inquiries, complaints, and fraudulent schemes, recent attorneys general have expanded the Division's role in their administrations, and it has become one of the most effective arms of the Attorney General's law enforcement efforts.
The Office of Consumer Affairs also acts as a mediator or negotiator in response to approximately 3,000 consumer complaints received each year, three-quarters of which are registered by residents over age 65. In this capacity, the Attorney General undertakes to assist the complaining consumer and the business or person complained against in resolving the dispute. These complaints are submitted to the Attorney General in writing and made available to the business for a response. If a business or person fails to respond to the Attorney General's request for cooperation in addressing the problem, the Attorney General possesses subpoena power to compel these persons to appear at his or her office for this purpose.