🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 24 (from laksa021)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa024.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/consumer-protection-101/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/consumer-protection-101/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/consumer-protection\/consumer-protection-101\/","crawl_time":1775806681,"first_indexed_time":1605867021,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,naag!www,\/issues\/consumer-protection\/consumer-protection-101\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2608521939395825024","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Consumer Protection 101 - National Association of Attorneys General","meta_descriptions":["Attorneys general often work together through working groups, joint investigations, settlement discussions, and litigation."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Attorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues. Because consumer protection is uniquely “people law,” it is often the place where individuals have the closest contact with not only the attorney general’s office, but with any governmental entity.\nConsumers have come to expect help from their attorney general in a variety of ways including consumer education, mediation of individual consumer complaints, and enforcement activities.\nAttorneys general also work together and collaborate with other enforcers when appropriate on consumer protection matters.\nEducation\nOne important way that attorneys general protect consumers is by equipping consumers to protect themselves through education.  Scam artists are experts at separating people from their money and once money is sent, it can be impossible to get it back. To prevent consumers from being scammed, attorneys general:\nTeach consumers the warning signs of scams and frauds so their chances of becoming a victim is greatly reduced.\nProvide information to consumers about their rights in many different areas of commerce, including personal finances, privacy, and travel. Educational information is provided through many different channels, such as speaking engagements with community groups, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices (where attorney general representatives meet with consumers throughout the jurisdiction), and social media.\nAlert consumers when scams start to become rampant by using social and other media.\nEducation is key in protecting consumers; it gives them the tools to protect themselves.\nMediation\nAttorney general offices receive consumer complaints regarding disputes consumers have with businesses. Many of the offices provide mediation of those complaints. After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether:\nThe complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office.\nIf it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint.\nOr both depending on the situation.\nWhile mediation can differ depending on the attorney general office, it generally relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business to resolve disputes. The independent neutral mediator acts as a “go between” for the consumer and the business. Disputes can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process, but if the parties do not reach a resolution through mediation, the consumer may choose to hire an attorney, and\/or file a private legal action to have a court resolve the dispute.\nEnforcement\nAttorneys general receive much of their enforcement authority from state consumer laws, most of which give the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state. State consumer laws are very broad in scope and provide protections for the myriad of transactions that consumers across the U.S. enter into every day. They also help to protect the ethical business entities operating within the law from losing business to unscrupulous or even fraudulent competitors.\nDepending on the jurisdiction, these state laws broadly prohibit unfair, misleading, unconscionable, and deceptive acts and practices. Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws).\nAttorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to\nparens patriae\nauthority\nas well as authority obtained through federal statutes (see below). Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state.\nPursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be\/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to:\nRequire through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations.\nEnter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court.\nEnter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws.\nRemedies available can include:\nInjunctions\nSpecific performance\nMonetary civil penalties\nLicense\/permit suspension or revocation\nConsumer restitution\nAttorneys’ fees\nAlthough the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/consumer-protection\/consumer-protection-101\/#fl-main-content)\n\n[![National Association of Attorneys General](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/naag-sticky-logo-min.png)](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Issues](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/)\n  - 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[NAAG Leadership](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/naag-leadership\/)\n  - [NAAG Member Services](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/naag-member-services\/)\n  - [NAAG Regions](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/regions\/)\n  - [NAAG FAQs](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/faqs\/)\n  - [SAGE](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/sage\/)\n  - [NAMFCU](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/)\n  - [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/newsroom\/)\n  - [Careers at NAAG](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/careers-at-naag\/)\n- [Find my AG](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/find-my-ag\/)\n- [About NAMFCU](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/)\n  - [About the Medicaid Fraud Control Units](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/about-the-medicaid-fraud-control-units\/)\n  - [Reporting Fraud and Abuse](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/reporting-fraud-and-abuse\/)\n  - [MFCU Member Hub](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/mfcu-member-hub\/)\n  - [Careers with a MFCU](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/attorneys-general\/careers-in-attorney-general-offices\/?_areas_of_law=medicaid-fraud)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/contact-us\/)\n\n# Consumer Protection 101\n[Home](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/ \"Go to National Association of Attorneys General.\")\n\n\/\n\n[Issues](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/ \"Go to Issues.\")\n\n\/\n\n[Consumer Protection](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/consumer-protection\/ \"Go to Consumer Protection.\")\n\n\/ Consumer Protection 101\n\nAttorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues. Because consumer protection is uniquely “people law,” it is often the place where individuals have the closest contact with not only the attorney general’s office, but with any governmental entity.\n\nConsumers have come to expect help from their attorney general in a variety of ways including consumer education, mediation of individual consumer complaints, and enforcement activities. [Attorneys general also work together and collaborate with other enforcers when appropriate on consumer protection matters.](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/consumer-protection\/interjurisdictional-collaboration\/)\n\n## Education\nOne important way that attorneys general protect consumers is by equipping consumers to protect themselves through education. Scam artists are experts at separating people from their money and once money is sent, it can be impossible to get it back. To prevent consumers from being scammed, attorneys general:\n\n- Teach consumers the warning signs of scams and frauds so their chances of becoming a victim is greatly reduced.\n- Provide information to consumers about their rights in many different areas of commerce, including personal finances, privacy, and travel. Educational information is provided through many different channels, such as speaking engagements with community groups, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices (where attorney general representatives meet with consumers throughout the jurisdiction), and social media.\n- Alert consumers when scams start to become rampant by using social and other media.\n\nEducation is key in protecting consumers; it gives them the tools to protect themselves.\n\n## Mediation\nAttorney general offices receive consumer complaints regarding disputes consumers have with businesses. Many of the offices provide mediation of those complaints. After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether:\n\n- The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office.\n- If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint.\n- Or both depending on the situation.\n\nWhile mediation can differ depending on the attorney general office, it generally relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business to resolve disputes. The independent neutral mediator acts as a “go between” for the consumer and the business. Disputes can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process, but if the parties do not reach a resolution through mediation, the consumer may choose to hire an attorney, and\/or file a private legal action to have a court resolve the dispute.\n\n## Enforcement\nAttorneys general receive much of their enforcement authority from state consumer laws, most of which give the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state. State consumer laws are very broad in scope and provide protections for the myriad of transactions that consumers across the U.S. enter into every day. They also help to protect the ethical business entities operating within the law from losing business to unscrupulous or even fraudulent competitors.\n\nDepending on the jurisdiction, these state laws broadly prohibit unfair, misleading, unconscionable, and deceptive acts and practices. Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws).\n\nAttorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to [*parens patriae* authority](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/antitrust\/) as well as authority obtained through federal statutes (see below). Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state.\n\nPursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be\/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to:\n\n- Require through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations.\n- Enter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court.\n- Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws.\n\nRemedies available can include:\n\n- Injunctions\n- Specific performance\n- Monetary civil penalties\n- License\/permit suspension or revocation\n- Consumer restitution\n- Attorneys’ fees\n\nAlthough the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers.\n\n#### Latest News\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 10](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-10\/) April 8, 2026\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 9](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-9\/) April 1, 2026\n- [Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Against Illicit Xylazine](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/press-releases\/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-urges-congress-to-pass-legislation-against-illicit-xylazine\/) March 31, 2026\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 8](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-8\/) March 23, 2026\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 7](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-7\/) March 12, 2026\n\n#### Recent Posts\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 10](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-10\/)\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 9](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-9\/)\n- [Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Against Illicit Xylazine](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/press-releases\/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-urges-congress-to-pass-legislation-against-illicit-xylazine\/)\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 8](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-8\/)\n- [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 7](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/attorney-general-journal\/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-7\/)\n\n## Connect with NAAG and the Attorney General Community\nCreate a NAAG account to subscribe to our newsletters or mailing lists.\n\n[Create Account](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/createanaccount)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/receive-naag-communications\/)\n\n![Marble columns and the top of a federal building](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/building-angle-columns.jpg)\n\n[![White Logo for the National Association of Attorneys General](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/naag-logo-white@2x.png)](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/)\n\n**1850 M Street NW**  \n **12th floor**  \n **Washington, DC 20036**\n\n**TEL [202-326-6000](tel:202-326-6000)**  \n **[EMAIL](<mailto: support@naag.org>)**\n\n[Youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCVbKVQRnmN6N86ol2ZEmwKA)\n\n- [Issues](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/)\n  - 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[NAAG Leadership](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/naag-leadership\/)\n  - [NAAG Member Services](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/naag-member-services\/)\n  - [NAAG Regions](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/regions\/)\n  - [NAAG FAQs](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/faqs\/)\n  - [SAGE](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/sage\/)\n  - [NAMFCU](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/)\n  - [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/news-resources\/newsroom\/)\n  - [Careers at NAAG](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/careers-at-naag\/)\n- [Find my AG](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/find-my-ag\/)\n- [About NAMFCU](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/)\n  - [About the Medicaid Fraud Control Units](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/about-the-medicaid-fraud-control-units\/)\n  - [Reporting Fraud and Abuse](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/reporting-fraud-and-abuse\/)\n  - [MFCU Member Hub](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/namfcu\/mfcu-member-hub\/)\n  - [Careers with a MFCU](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/attorneys-general\/careers-in-attorney-general-offices\/?_areas_of_law=medicaid-fraud)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/contact-us\/)\n\n- [Find My AG](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/find-my-ag\/)\n- [Consumer Complaints](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/our-work\/center-for-consumer-protection\/consumer-file-a-complaint\/)\n- [Member Benefits](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/member-benefits\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/contact-us\/)\n\n- [Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Privacy & Cookies Notice](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/privacy-cookies\/)\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/sitemap\/)\n- [Member Login](https:\/\/naagauth.b2clogin.com\/naagauth.onmicrosoft.com\/oauth2\/v2.0\/authorize?p=b2c_1_naag_yoko_signin_signup&response_type=id_token&client_id=0d5a0857-2928-4231-bf7a-1317d1a5c2c3&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.naag.org%2F&response_mode=form_post&scope=openid&state=generic)\n\n#### About the National Association of Attorneys General\nAs the nonpartisan national forum for America's state and territory attorneys general and their staff, NAAG provides collaboration, insight, and expertise to empower and champion America's attorneys general.  \n **[Learn More](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/about-naag\/)**\n\n© 2026 Copyright National Association of Attorneys General\n\n[Website by Yoko Co](https:\/\/www.yokoco.com\/)\n\nInternal Feedback \/ Report an Error\n\n## Request an Update \/ Report an Error\nX\n\n[Scroll To Top](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/consumer-protection\/consumer-protection-101\/)\n\nTo provide you more clarity about how we collect, store and use personal information, and your rights to control that information, we have updated our [privacy policy](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/privacy-cookies\/), which also explains how we use cookies. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.\n\nI Agree\n\nNotifications","attrs_readable_markdown":"Attorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues. Because consumer protection is uniquely “people law,” it is often the place where individuals have the closest contact with not only the attorney general’s office, but with any governmental entity.\n\nConsumers have come to expect help from their attorney general in a variety of ways including consumer education, mediation of individual consumer complaints, and enforcement activities. [Attorneys general also work together and collaborate with other enforcers when appropriate on consumer protection matters.](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/consumer-protection\/interjurisdictional-collaboration\/)\n\n## Education\nOne important way that attorneys general protect consumers is by equipping consumers to protect themselves through education. Scam artists are experts at separating people from their money and once money is sent, it can be impossible to get it back. To prevent consumers from being scammed, attorneys general:\n\n- Teach consumers the warning signs of scams and frauds so their chances of becoming a victim is greatly reduced.\n- Provide information to consumers about their rights in many different areas of commerce, including personal finances, privacy, and travel. Educational information is provided through many different channels, such as speaking engagements with community groups, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices (where attorney general representatives meet with consumers throughout the jurisdiction), and social media.\n- Alert consumers when scams start to become rampant by using social and other media.\n\nEducation is key in protecting consumers; it gives them the tools to protect themselves.\n\n## Mediation\nAttorney general offices receive consumer complaints regarding disputes consumers have with businesses. Many of the offices provide mediation of those complaints. After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether:\n\n- The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office.\n- If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint.\n- Or both depending on the situation.\n\nWhile mediation can differ depending on the attorney general office, it generally relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business to resolve disputes. The independent neutral mediator acts as a “go between” for the consumer and the business. Disputes can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process, but if the parties do not reach a resolution through mediation, the consumer may choose to hire an attorney, and\/or file a private legal action to have a court resolve the dispute.\n\n## Enforcement\nAttorneys general receive much of their enforcement authority from state consumer laws, most of which give the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state. State consumer laws are very broad in scope and provide protections for the myriad of transactions that consumers across the U.S. enter into every day. They also help to protect the ethical business entities operating within the law from losing business to unscrupulous or even fraudulent competitors.\n\nDepending on the jurisdiction, these state laws broadly prohibit unfair, misleading, unconscionable, and deceptive acts and practices. Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws).\n\nAttorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to [*parens patriae* authority](https:\/\/www.naag.org\/issues\/antitrust\/) as well as authority obtained through federal statutes (see below). Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state.\n\nPursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be\/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to:\n\n- Require through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations.\n- Enter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court.\n- Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws.\n\nRemedies available can include:\n\n- Injunctions\n- Specific performance\n- Monetary civil penalties\n- License\/permit suspension or revocation\n- Consumer restitution\n- Attorneys’ fees\n\nAlthough the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Consumer Protection 101 - National Association of Attorneys General
Meta Description	Attorneys general often work together through working groups, joint investigations, settlement discussions, and litigation.
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Boilerpipe Text	Attorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues. Because consumer protection is uniquely “people law,” it is often the place where individuals have the closest contact with not only the attorney general’s office, but with any governmental entity. Consumers have come to expect help from their attorney general in a variety of ways including consumer education, mediation of individual consumer complaints, and enforcement activities. Attorneys general also work together and collaborate with other enforcers when appropriate on consumer protection matters. Education One important way that attorneys general protect consumers is by equipping consumers to protect themselves through education. Scam artists are experts at separating people from their money and once money is sent, it can be impossible to get it back. To prevent consumers from being scammed, attorneys general: Teach consumers the warning signs of scams and frauds so their chances of becoming a victim is greatly reduced. Provide information to consumers about their rights in many different areas of commerce, including personal finances, privacy, and travel. Educational information is provided through many different channels, such as speaking engagements with community groups, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices (where attorney general representatives meet with consumers throughout the jurisdiction), and social media. Alert consumers when scams start to become rampant by using social and other media. Education is key in protecting consumers; it gives them the tools to protect themselves. Mediation Attorney general offices receive consumer complaints regarding disputes consumers have with businesses. Many of the offices provide mediation of those complaints. After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether: The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office. If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint. Or both depending on the situation. While mediation can differ depending on the attorney general office, it generally relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business to resolve disputes. The independent neutral mediator acts as a “go between” for the consumer and the business. Disputes can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process, but if the parties do not reach a resolution through mediation, the consumer may choose to hire an attorney, and/or file a private legal action to have a court resolve the dispute. Enforcement Attorneys general receive much of their enforcement authority from state consumer laws, most of which give the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state. State consumer laws are very broad in scope and provide protections for the myriad of transactions that consumers across the U.S. enter into every day. They also help to protect the ethical business entities operating within the law from losing business to unscrupulous or even fraudulent competitors. Depending on the jurisdiction, these state laws broadly prohibit unfair, misleading, unconscionable, and deceptive acts and practices. Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws). Attorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to parens patriae authority as well as authority obtained through federal statutes (see below). Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state. Pursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to: Require through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations. Enter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court. Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws. Remedies available can include: Injunctions Specific performance Monetary civil penalties License/permit suspension or revocation Consumer restitution Attorneys’ fees Although the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers.
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/consumer-protection-101/#fl-main-content) [![National Association of Attorneys General](https://www.naag.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/naag-sticky-logo-min.png)](https://www.naag.org/) Menu - [Issues](https://www.naag.org/issues/) - [Issues](https://www.naag.org/issues/) - [Anticorruption](https://www.naag.org/issues/anticorruption/) - [Antitrust](https://www.naag.org/issues/antitrust/) - [Bankruptcy](https://www.naag.org/issues/bankruptcy/) - [Charities](https://www.naag.org/issues/charities/) - [Civil Law](https://www.naag.org/issues/civil-law/) - [Issues](https://www.naag.org/issues/) - [Consumer Protection](https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/) - [Criminal Law](https://www.naag.org/issues/criminal-law/) - [Cyber and Technology](https://www.naag.org/issues/cyber-and-technology/) - [Disaster Preparedness & Response](https://www.naag.org/issues/disaster-preparedness-and-response/) - [Elder Justice](https://www.naag.org/issues/elder-justice/) - 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[Contact Us](https://www.naag.org/contact-us/) # Consumer Protection 101 [Home](https://www.naag.org/ "Go to National Association of Attorneys General.") / [Issues](https://www.naag.org/issues/ "Go to Issues.") / [Consumer Protection](https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/ "Go to Consumer Protection.") / Consumer Protection 101 Attorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues. Because consumer protection is uniquely “people law,” it is often the place where individuals have the closest contact with not only the attorney general’s office, but with any governmental entity. Consumers have come to expect help from their attorney general in a variety of ways including consumer education, mediation of individual consumer complaints, and enforcement activities. [Attorneys general also work together and collaborate with other enforcers when appropriate on consumer protection matters.](https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/interjurisdictional-collaboration/) ## Education One important way that attorneys general protect consumers is by equipping consumers to protect themselves through education. Scam artists are experts at separating people from their money and once money is sent, it can be impossible to get it back. To prevent consumers from being scammed, attorneys general: - Teach consumers the warning signs of scams and frauds so their chances of becoming a victim is greatly reduced. - Provide information to consumers about their rights in many different areas of commerce, including personal finances, privacy, and travel. Educational information is provided through many different channels, such as speaking engagements with community groups, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices (where attorney general representatives meet with consumers throughout the jurisdiction), and social media. - Alert consumers when scams start to become rampant by using social and other media. Education is key in protecting consumers; it gives them the tools to protect themselves. ## Mediation Attorney general offices receive consumer complaints regarding disputes consumers have with businesses. Many of the offices provide mediation of those complaints. After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether: - The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office. - If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint. - Or both depending on the situation. While mediation can differ depending on the attorney general office, it generally relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business to resolve disputes. The independent neutral mediator acts as a “go between” for the consumer and the business. Disputes can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process, but if the parties do not reach a resolution through mediation, the consumer may choose to hire an attorney, and/or file a private legal action to have a court resolve the dispute. ## Enforcement Attorneys general receive much of their enforcement authority from state consumer laws, most of which give the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state. State consumer laws are very broad in scope and provide protections for the myriad of transactions that consumers across the U.S. enter into every day. They also help to protect the ethical business entities operating within the law from losing business to unscrupulous or even fraudulent competitors. Depending on the jurisdiction, these state laws broadly prohibit unfair, misleading, unconscionable, and deceptive acts and practices. Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws). Attorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to [parens patriae authority](https://www.naag.org/issues/antitrust/) as well as authority obtained through federal statutes (see below). Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state. Pursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to: - Require through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations. - Enter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court. - Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws. Remedies available can include: - Injunctions - Specific performance - Monetary civil penalties - License/permit suspension or revocation - Consumer restitution - Attorneys’ fees Although the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers. #### Latest News - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 10](https://www.naag.org/news-resources/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-10/) April 8, 2026 - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 9](https://www.naag.org/news-resources/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-9/) April 1, 2026 - [Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Against Illicit Xylazine](https://www.naag.org/news-resources/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-urges-congress-to-pass-legislation-against-illicit-xylazine/) March 31, 2026 - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 8](https://www.naag.org/news-resources/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-8/) March 23, 2026 - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 7](https://www.naag.org/news-resources/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-7/) March 12, 2026 #### Recent Posts - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 10](https://www.naag.org/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-10/) - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 9](https://www.naag.org/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-9/) - [Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Against Illicit Xylazine](https://www.naag.org/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-urges-congress-to-pass-legislation-against-illicit-xylazine/) - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 8](https://www.naag.org/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-8/) - [Supreme Court Report, Volume 33, Issue 7](https://www.naag.org/attorney-general-journal/supreme-court-report-volume-33-issue-7/) ## Connect with NAAG and the Attorney General Community Create a NAAG account to subscribe to our newsletters or mailing lists. 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Readable Markdown	Attorneys general are the primary enforcers of consumer laws within their state. Their activities and enforcement actions are of the utmost importance in protecting consumers across the country. They deal with a full range of issues that consumers encounter in the marketplace and at home, including health, safety, and privacy issues. Because consumer protection is uniquely “people law,” it is often the place where individuals have the closest contact with not only the attorney general’s office, but with any governmental entity. Consumers have come to expect help from their attorney general in a variety of ways including consumer education, mediation of individual consumer complaints, and enforcement activities. [Attorneys general also work together and collaborate with other enforcers when appropriate on consumer protection matters.](https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/interjurisdictional-collaboration/) ## Education One important way that attorneys general protect consumers is by equipping consumers to protect themselves through education. Scam artists are experts at separating people from their money and once money is sent, it can be impossible to get it back. To prevent consumers from being scammed, attorneys general: - Teach consumers the warning signs of scams and frauds so their chances of becoming a victim is greatly reduced. - Provide information to consumers about their rights in many different areas of commerce, including personal finances, privacy, and travel. Educational information is provided through many different channels, such as speaking engagements with community groups, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices (where attorney general representatives meet with consumers throughout the jurisdiction), and social media. - Alert consumers when scams start to become rampant by using social and other media. Education is key in protecting consumers; it gives them the tools to protect themselves. ## Mediation Attorney general offices receive consumer complaints regarding disputes consumers have with businesses. Many of the offices provide mediation of those complaints. After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether: - The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office. - If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer’s complaint. - Or both depending on the situation. While mediation can differ depending on the attorney general office, it generally relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business to resolve disputes. The independent neutral mediator acts as a “go between” for the consumer and the business. Disputes can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process, but if the parties do not reach a resolution through mediation, the consumer may choose to hire an attorney, and/or file a private legal action to have a court resolve the dispute. ## Enforcement Attorneys general receive much of their enforcement authority from state consumer laws, most of which give the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state. State consumer laws are very broad in scope and provide protections for the myriad of transactions that consumers across the U.S. enter into every day. They also help to protect the ethical business entities operating within the law from losing business to unscrupulous or even fraudulent competitors. Depending on the jurisdiction, these state laws broadly prohibit unfair, misleading, unconscionable, and deceptive acts and practices. Most are enforced civilly, but some also have criminal provisions. These laws are typically titled Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Acts (UDAP) or Consumer Protection Acts (CPA) (collectively general consumer laws). Attorneys general also bring consumer protection actions pursuant to [parens patriae authority](https://www.naag.org/issues/antitrust/) as well as authority obtained through federal statutes (see below). Literally “father of the country” actions, parens patriae lawsuits are filed on behalf of natural persons, not corporations, who are citizens of the state. Pursuant to general consumer laws, attorneys general have authority to investigate, settle with, and litigate against those who may be/are in violation of consumer laws on behalf of the state. This can include the authority to: - Require through a formal notice a violator “cease and desist” from continuing violations. - Enter into settlements pursuant to state consumer laws without first filing a corresponding complaint with a court. - Enter into consent judgments, a settlement resolving complaints filed against alleged violators of consumer laws. Remedies available can include: - Injunctions - Specific performance - Monetary civil penalties - License/permit suspension or revocation - Consumer restitution - Attorneys’ fees Although the attorneys general can seek consumer restitution, the attorney general does not represent and is not legal counsel for the individual consumers.
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