Pennsylvania Consumer Resources
Living in Steelers country? If you are looking for resources for the state of Pennsylvania, this site will help you tremendously. We have put together a list of informative links to help you on whatever search you may have – state agencies, legal resources, educational, health, financial, or employment resources.
Below is a summary of what each link has to offer. Any necessary information is also included.
STATE AGENCIES
Attorney General – The Attorney General’s office in Pennsylvania is dedicated to protecting residents and consumers in the state. Protect your community – you can report Internet Predators to the Child Predator Unit, or read about how to the Elder Abuse Unit protects seniors against crime and fraud. Consumers can register on the Do Not Call list or report any issues. Sign up for the newsletter or contact the office at (717) 787-3391.
Public Utility Commission – The commission is in place to ensure reliable utility services and that companies are operating within Pennsylvania law. You can view announcements and press releases. Get information on how to conserve water and energy. Report disputes through the website as well.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court - Do you have a small claims court case to pursue? This article will give you insight on court cost limits, appeal processes, and attorney requirements. Get information on special provisions in Pennsylvania law. All the details about how to pursue your case is here.
Lemon Law – If you feel that your recently purchased vehicle is a lemon, this article can help you learn about what you can do. Get an overview of the Pennsylvania lemon laws. Discover the step-by-step process to get you into the right vehicle. Consumer Protection numbers are also available.
EDUCATION
Bureau of Special Education – Visit the Bureau of Special Education through this site. You can learn more about regulations and the panel that oversees the bureau. Read about parents’ rights. Get information on reporting problems. You can also call the Consult line 1-800-879-2301.
Educational Resources – Get all the information you need to about Pennsylvania’s educational system through this resources directory. You can conduct a general search for agencies and programs. You can also search organizations by type. All of Pennsylvania’s educational information is compiled into a comprehensive list for you.
HEALTH CARE
Health Insurance Plans – Read about different insurance options through this Pennsylvania health care site. You can get information on plan options and eligibility. Read more about coverage choices and prices. Get details on how to apply for coverage during this site.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment Resources – This website will direct you to employment resources all over Pennsylvania. Read about different programs and organizations in Pennsylvania and how to get involved. Discover employment agencies looking to serve your community. All of the information is provided in this comprehensive list.
Contact Pennsylvania 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 Offices
Joseph Goldberg, Director
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
Strawberry Square, 14th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-9707
Toll free in PA: 1-800-441-2555
Fax: 717-787-1190
Web site: www.attorneygeneral.gov
E-mail: info@attorneygeneral.gov
Irwin Popowsky, Consumer Advocate
Office of Consumer Advocate
Office of the Attorney General
Forum Place, 5th Floor
555 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1921
717-783-5048 (for utilities only)
Fax: 717-783-7152
E-mail: paoca@ptd.net
Web site: www.oca.state.pa.us
Regional Offices
Michael Butler, Deputy Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
1251 South Cedar Crest Blvd.
Suite 309
Allentown, PA 18103
610-821-6690
Fax: 610-821-6529
E. Barry Creany
Senior Deputy Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
171 Lovell Avenue, Suite 202
Ebensburg, PA 15931
814-949-7900
Toll free in PA: 1-800-441-2555
Fax: 814-949-7942
Jesse Harvey
Deputy Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
919 State Street, Room 203
Erie, PA 16501
814-871-4371
Fax: 814-871-4848
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
132 Kline Village
Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-787-7109
Fax: 717-772-3560
Sherri G. Patchen
Deputy Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
21 South 12th Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-560-2414
Toll free in PA: 1-800-441-2555
Stephanie Royal
Deputy Attorney
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
Manor Complex, 6th Floor
564 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-565-5135
Toll free in PA: 1-800-441-2555
Fax: 412-565-5475
J.P. McGowan
Deputy Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of the Attorney General
Samter Building, Room 214
101 Penn Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503-2025
717-963-4913
Fax: 717-963-3418
Toll free: 1-800-441-2555
County Offices
Sydney Elkin, Director
Beaver County Alliance for Consumer Protection
699 Fifth Street
Beaver, PA 15009-1997
412-728-7267
Fax: 412-728-6762
Michael Bannon, Director
Bucks County Consumer Protection
1260 Almshouse Rd., 4th Floor
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6060 or 215-348-7442
Fax: 267-885-1420
Email: ConsumerProtection@BucksCounty.org
Robert Taylor, Director
Chester County Weights and Measures/Consumer Affairs
Government Services Center, Suite 390
601 Westtown Road
West Chester, PA 19382-4547
610-344-6150
Toll free in PA: 1-800-692-1100
Ric LeBlanc, Director
Cumberland County Consumer Affairs/Weights and Measures
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013-3330
717-240-6180
Fax: 717-240-6490
Evelyn Yancoskie, Director
Delaware County Office of Consumer Affairs
Media Courthouse
201 West Front Street
Media, PA 19063
610-891-4865
Fax: 610-566-3947
Montgomery Co. Office of Consumer Affairs
Montgomery County Courthouse
P.O. Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404-0311
610-278-3565
717-963-4913
Toll free nationwide: 1-800-441-2555
Fax: 610-278-3556 or 717-963-3418
City Office
Bruce Sagel
Chief, Economic Crime Unit
Philadelphia District Attorney's Office
1421 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-8750
Fax: 215-686-8765
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.
Robin L. Wiessman
Secretary of Banking and Securities
Market Square Plaza
17 North Second Street, Suite 1300
Harrisburg, PA 17101-2290
717-787-6991
Toll free in PA: 1-800-PA-BANKS
Fax: 717-787-8773
TDD: Toll free: 1-800-679-5070
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.
M. Diane Koken
Insurance Commissioner
1326 Strawberry Square
13th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-2317