Virginia Consumer Resources
Living in Virginia? Looking for state resources? We can help you. We have compiled a comprehensive list of state resources that will point you in the direction of answers to your inquiry. Whether you’re looking for state agencies, legal resources, educational, financial, health, or employment-related sites, you can find links on them here.
Below is a summary of what each link has to offer. Any necessary contact information is also provided.
STATE AGENCIES
Attorney General – Learn about different ways the Attorney General is protecting consumers and families in Virginia. Discover different programs implemented in your area. You can read more about the office. Links for Consumer Protection also provide an opportunity to report issues. You can contact the office at (804) 786-2071.
Bureau of Insurance – This bureau protects consumers by ensuring that companies are providing affordable insurance and operating within Virginia law. You can get shopping tips or lookup information on producers. You can also report problems on the site. Consumer inquiries can be directed to (804) 371-9741.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court – If you are debating on filing a small claims court case, this webpage will give you information to help you make a decision. Our article will provide you with the statutes, court cost limits, and where you can sue. Find out attorney requirements and appeal processes. You can also read about special provisions in Virginia law.
Lemon Law – Is your recently purchased vehicle acting like a lemon? You can read our article and decide for yourself. We outline characteristics to Virginia’s lemon laws. We also interviewed an advisor with the Attorney General’s office to give you a step-by-step process of what to do.
EDUCATION
Department of Education – Get information on Virginia’s educational system through this site. Students can research colleges and universities in the state. Parents can learn more about testing and curriculum standards. Special programs are also available to research.
HEALTH
Department of Health Professions – Get information on various health positions in the state. Conduct a general search. Practitioners can also update information or renew online. You can contact the department at (804) 367-4400.
EMPLOYMENT
Virginia Jobs – If you are looking for employment opportunities in Virginia, look no further. You can read state jobs listings, and find out how to apply. Read about career planning and get guides on how to further career development. Veterans can also find links specifically for their job hunt as well.
Contact Virginia State & Local Consumer Agencies
State and local consumer protection offices mediate issues, 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
Frank Seales, Jr., Chief
Antitrust and Consumer Litigation Section
Office of the Attorney General
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-2116
804-371-2086/2087
Robert Colvin, Program Manager
Office of Consumer Affairs
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Washington Building, Suite 100
P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-2042
Toll free in VA: 1-800-552-9963
TDD: 804-371-6344
Fax: 804-371-7479
County Offices
Gail M. Lucas, Program Manager
Office of Citizen and Consumer Affairs
#1 Court House Plaza, Suite 310
2100 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
703-358-3260
Fax: 703-358-3295
E-mail: GLUCAS@co.arlington.va.us
Web site: www.co.arlington.va.us
Ronald Mallard, Director
Fairfax County Department of Telecommunications and Consumer Services
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 433
Fairfax, VA 22035
703-222-8435
Fax: 703-222-5921
City Offices
Prescott Barbash, Administrator
Alexandria Office of Consumer Affairs
City Hall, P.O.Box 178
Alexandria, VA 22313
703-838-4350
TDD: 703-838-5056
Fax: 703-838-6426
E-mail: PBARBASH@capacces.org
Robert Gill, Coordinator
Division of Consumer Affairs
City Hall
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-664-4888
TDD/TTY: 757-441-1065
Fax: 757-664-4889
Web site: www.city.norfolk.va.us
Cathy Townsend Parks, Director
Consumer Affairs Division
Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
Judicial Center, Bldg. 10B
2305 Judicial Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9050
757-426-5836
Fax: 757-427-8779
Web site: www.virginia-beach.va.us/courts/oca/co.htm
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.
E.J. Face, Jr.
Commissioner, Financial Institutions
1300 E. Main Street
Suite 800, P.O. Box 640
Richmond, VA 23218-0640
804-371-9657
Toll free in VA: 1-800-552-7945
Fax: 804-371-9416
TDD: 804-371-9206
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.
Alfred W. Gross
Commissioner, Bureau of Insurance, State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1157
1300 East Main Street (23219) (only for special delivery and walkins)
Richmond, VA 23218
804-371-9967
Toll free in VA: 1-800-552-7945
TDD: 804-371-9206
Web site: www.state.va.us/scc
Sources include the Consumer's Resource Handbook, U.S. General Services Administration. We welcome updates and corrections. Please address the Webmaster.