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Kevin L. Jackson, Chief Investigator
1101 East 139th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33613-3420
Telephone: (813) 903-3430
Fax: (813) 903-3432
Contact Us | View Map
10119 Windhorst Road
Tampa, FL 33619-7827
Telephone: (813) 274-6600
Fax: (813) 274-6691
View Map
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IS DEDICATED TO HELPING INDIVIDUALS RESOLVE PROBLEMS
AND BECOME INFORMED CONSUMERS.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
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Consumer Protection enforces consumer protection laws through investigation and mediation. The Agency issues citations and presents criminal cases to the State Attorney or the Attorney General for prosecution. It also develops and conducts consumer education programs and serves as a clearinghouse for consumer complaints. Information regarding the following consumer matters is available from the agency: automobile purchases and repair, contracts and purchases, landlord-tenant relations, warranties, appliances, mail orders, and telemarketing and internet fraud. |
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Mission Statement
To enforce consumer protection laws and to protect and educate Hillsborough County consumers, in the marketplace and business community, against economic losses resulting from unfair, deceptive and illegal business practices. |
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Vision Statement
To achieve its mission, Consumer Protection plans to build upon previous efforts of investigation, mediation, outreach, and advocacy in order to maintain timely, efficient, and cost-effective direct assistance and service to consumers. |
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Filing a Complaint
Hillsborough County’s Consumer Protection Agency was created to assist consumers who have been victims of consumer fraud or unfair and deceptive business practices. By filling out one of our complaint forms below, we will investigate your claim and attempt to mediate a resolution to your situation. In certain cases, civil citations or criminal charges may be pursued if appropriate. The consumer transaction must occur in Hillsborough County. |
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Current Topics of Interest
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR FREE SERVICES:
Advice and Tips
Consumers can call us or email us for advice, information and assistance, or to be directed to the appropriate service and/or agency for help.
Complaint Evaluation and Investigation
Complaints should be submitted in writing so that we may accurately track your case. You have the option of downloading a complaint form, calling our office to have a form mailed to you, or visiting our office. We ask that you fill out the form detailing what happened, when and where the problem occurred, and what steps you've taken to reach a resolution. Attach copies of any supporting documentation you might have, such as contracts, warranties and canceled checks. Each complaint is evaluated to see if there are reasonable grounds for an investigation.
Mediation and Referral
Mediation is conducted through telephone contacts and informal meetings and hearings. Unresolved mediation cases can result in citations for violations of the Consumer Protection Ordinance. Criminal cases are presented to the appropriate prosecuting agency. In certain instances, cases will be referred to state or federal regulatory agencies.
Outreach and Education
Consumer education presentations and publications are available at NO COST. If you need a speaker or would like our agency to participate in a community event with a booth and literature on many consumer issues, you can call or email us with your request. The request will be reviewed by staff and the Chief Investigator. Limited resources, and the date, time and nature of the event are all factors in whether we can honor the speaker request. Community education programs are developed and conducted throughout the county for adult audiences and high school students. These programs cover numerous topics of consumer fraud, scams, and schemes and tips to avoid becoming a victim. Bilingual speakers are available. A Legal Advocacy service is offered to consumers living in and around the Sun City Center and Plant City areas. Our investigators meet with consumers on the second and fourth Friday of each month. The service is focused on the senior population of these areas who are unable to visit our office and want to speak directly to an investigator. |
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