Minnesota Consumer Resources

Minnesotans – if you’re looking for state resource sites, look no further. We have gathered a list of helpful links to give you information on various state departments. Whether your search is about state agencies, legal resources, educational, financial, health, or employment, our links will help you get what you need.

Below is a summary of what each link has to offer, as well as any necessary contact information.

STATE AGENCIES

Attorney General – Get information on all your consumer needs through this website. You can view and file consumer grievances. You can get information on debt prevention and finance management. You can learn more about health care coverage as well. The Attorney General’s office can be contacted toll free at 1-800-657-3787.

Department of Commerce Insurance – Get information on different types of insurance coverage in Minnesota. Learn more about what each program offers, and check the licenses of different insurance companies. You can get information on producers and adjusters, companies, and other businesses.

Department of Commerce – This department regulates general companies in Minnesota. You can get more information on energy, banking and finance, real estate, and telecommunications. You can also report an issue through any link of each specified industry. You can reach the Consumer Protection division directly at 1-800-657-3602.

LEGAL RESOURCES

Small Claims Court – Pursuing a small claims court case? Get some basic information through this site. You can learn about court cost limits and where to sue. You get specifics on statutes and read about attorney requirements. Special law provisions are also outlined in this page.

Lemon Law – If you’ve purchased a lemon in Minnesota, this page will provide helpful information and tips on what to do. You can read about the characteristics of lemons in Minnesota, and where to go to file your claim. Learn more about the processes available to consumers to get you out of your lemon and into a working car.

EDUCATIONAL

Educational Resources Directory – Get a comprehensive list of educational links to different programs in Minnesota. These sources will direct you to different organizations and educational agencies in the state. You can conduct a general search or view the organizations by type.

FINANCIAL

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency – Get information on buying or renting a home through affordable financing set in place through the state of Michigan. You can get foreclosure assistance or view the neighborhood stabilization program. You can also sign up for the e-newsletter. The agency can be contacted at 1-800-657-3769.

Contact Minnesota State & Local Consumer Agencies

State and local consumer protection offices mediate disputes, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. To save time, call the office before sending in a written report. Ask if the office handles the type of problem you have and if forms are provided.

State Office

Curt Loewe
Director, Consumer Services Division
Minnesota Attorney General's Office
1400 NCL Tower
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
612-296-3353
Toll free: 1-800-657-3787
TDD/TTY: 612-297-7206;
TDD/TTY toll free: 1-800-366-4812
Fax: 612-282-5801
Web site: www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Complaint.asp
E-mail: consumer.ag@state.mn.us

County Office

Hennepin County Citizen Information Hotline
Office of Hennepin County Attorney
C-2000 County Government Center
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-4528
TDD/TTY: 612-348-5875
Fax: 612-348-9712
Web site: www.co.hennepin.mn.us/coatty/hcatty.htm

City Office

James Moncur, Director
Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services
Division of Licenses & Consumer Services
City Hall, Room 1C
350 South 5th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-673-2080
TDD/TTY: 612-673-3300/3360
Fax: 612-673-3399
E-mail: opa@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
Web site: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us

State Banking Regulators

The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems about other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit. If you are dealing with a federally chartered bank, check the listing of Selected Federal Agencies.

David Gruenes
Deputy Commissioner, Enforcement and Licensing Division
133 East 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
612-296-2135
Toll free in MN: 1-800-657-3602
Fax: 612-296-8591
TDD: 612-296-2860

State Insurance Regulators

Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.

Gary A. LaVasseur
Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement and Licensing
133 East 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
612-296-2488
Toll free: 1-800-657-3602
E-mail: enforcement@state.mn.us
Web site: www.commerce.state.mn.us

Sources include the Consumer's Resource Handbook, U.S. General Services Administration. We welcome updates and corrections. Please address the Webmaster.