ATLANTA, GA – The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs has changed its name to the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection.  Joe Doyle, the agency’s Administrator says, “We are a law enforcement agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive and unlawful acts and practices in the marketplace. We believe that this new name more accurately conveys to the public what our agency does.  The name change will not change our responsibilities or jurisdiction in any way.”

The agency has been protecting consumers under the Fair Business Practices Act since its creation in 1975.  Agency actions so far this year have resulted in nearly $10.5 million in actual or ordered consumer restitution and cancellation of consumer debt. These savings stemmed from investigations related to deceptive sales and advertising practices, unlawful charges by debt relief companies, telemarketing fraud, home improvement fraud, computer fraud, and from individual consumer claims filed under Georgia’s Lemon Law.  

The agency is also committed to educating consumers by providing important information, news and resources online at Consumer.ga.gov, the agency's main website, and ConsumerEd.com, which focuses on making major purchases, credit and debt issues, and money management basics. 

Consumers who believe they have been the victim of an illegal or deceptive practice by a business can report it to the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection by calling 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 or by visiting the agency’s website:  www.consumer.ga.gov.