How to File a Consumer Complaint Against a Business in Alberta

Consumers in Alberta can file a complaint against a business, or a person running a business, for an unfair business.

The CIU (Consumer Investigations Unit) investigates complaints against businesses.

The consumers can also report a rip-off anonymously through a toll free reporting hotline by calling 1-877-427-4088. Just follow the simple prompts to report a rip-ff.

The regular business hours are 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays).

The Consumer Investigations Unit handles complaints related to the following businesses:

auctions
cemeteries
charitable fundraising
collection agencies
condominium developments
credit reports
door-to-door sales
employment agencies
energy marketing
gift cards
home inspections
landlords and tenants (mobile home sites and residential tenancies)
payday loans
prepaid contracting
time shares & travel clubs
unfair trade practices

It is important to do your homework and make sure you have all the related documents like email correspondence and copies of your receipts. The list of documents can include but are not limited to the following:

estimates, contracts or rental agreements including all attachments
copies of any terms and conditions relevant to the transaction
receipts, invoices, proof of payments
cancellation or dispute letters
e-mails and letters
statements of account
audio or video recordings
all communication to and from the business

Ensure you have provided all of the details of the incident, including:

dates and times
addresses (identify all locations you met at)
names of people involved
witnesses
your full contact information
all known contact information for the business

After you’ve prepared your complaint form, you can submit it to the follow two processing centres:

Submit the complaint form

You can email (email is preferred), mail or fax your complaint form along with your documents to the Consumer Investigations Unit office. You can also drop it off in person.