Washington Consumer Resources
Are you a Washington resident? If you’re living in the Evergreen State and are looking for state resources, we can help you. We have compiled a comprehensive list of informative links that will help you in any search you have. 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 –Discover different programs implemented in Washington to protect consumers and families. You can read more about the crime and safety unit. Links for Consumer Protection also provide an opportunity to report issues. You can contact the office at 1-800-551-4636.
Office of Insurance Commissioner – This department is here to protect insurance consumers, and ensure that companies are providing affordable services and operating within Washington law. You can search types of insurance and learn more about the laws and regulations in place. You can also report a dispute with an insurance company or agent. You can also contact the office directly at 1-800-562-6900.
Utilities & Transportation Commission – This commission is dedicated to protecting utilities consumers, and ensuring that companies are providing safe and affordable services and operating within Washington law. You can search industries and get information about different types of public utilities. Get tips on how to conserve energy to save money, or report problems.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court – Interested in filing a small claims court case? Our article will provide you with the basic information to know ahead of time. You can view statutes, learn court cost limits, and find out where to sue. You can read about appeal processes and attorney requirements. Learn about special provisions in Washington’s law.
Lemon Law – If you suspect you’ve purchased a lemon, this webpage can help. Our article will give you an overview of Washington’s lemon law and outlines characteristics your car must be to qualify. You can also read our interview with an advisor from the Lemon Law Department on what you can do from there.
EDUCATION
Board of Education - Get information on Washington State’s Board of Education here. You can view graduation requirements or search colleges and universities in the area. Learn about achievement standards and what the board does. You can also follow them on Twitter. The office can be directly at 360-725-6025.
FINANCIAL
Financial Institutions – Consumers can get financial information and tips here. Learn about foreclosure assistance. You can also take a finance management class. Learn about different financial topics that affect you, and the best steps to take for each.
HEALTH
Washington Health Program – This health plan is outlined through the Washington Health Care Authority. You can read about what the program is and who it covers. Learn if you are eligible, and available discounts for participants. You can contact the office at 1-800-660-9840.
Department of Health – Get general health information through this department. You can view public records and health data. You can search for health provider credentials. Get information on seasonal illness prevention. Consumers can contact the office at (800) 525-0127.
SAFETY
Identity Theft – With identity theft being one of the most prevalent reported crimes in the United States, it’s important to know how to protect yourself. Learn about the methods identities are most commonly stolen. Discover how you can protect yourself. You can also attend a free event, with more details given on the site.
EMPLOYMENT
Washington Jobs – If you are looking for jobs in the state, this a good stop to make in your process. You can get job hunting tips, and even conduct a job search through this department’s database. Learn about certain job skills or get information on upcoming training programs. Employers can also look for employees through this site.
Contact Washington 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
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
103 E. Holly Street, Suite 308
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-738-6185
Toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
Toll free in WA: 1-800-692-5082 (consumer line tapes)
TDD: 206-464-7293
TDD toll free: 1-800-276-9883
Fax: 360-738-6190
Web site: www.wa.gov/ago
Suzzanne Green, Lead Volunteers
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
500 N. Moran Street, Suite 1250
Kennewick, WA 99336-2607
509-734-7140
Toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
TDD: 206-464-7293
TDD toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
Fax: 509-734-7290
Larry Keyes, Supervisor
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 40118
Olympia, WA 98504-0118
360-753-1808
360-753-6210
Toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
TDD: 206-464-7293
TDD toll free in WA: 1-800-276-9883
Consumer Services
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
900 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2000
Seattle, WA 98164-1012
206-464-6684
Toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
TDD: 206-464-7293
TDD toll free in WA: 1-800-276-9883
E-mail: protect@atg.wa.gov
Web site: www.wa.gov/ago
Owen Clarke, Chief
Consumer Protection Division, Spokane
Office of the Attorney General
West 1116 Riverside Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
509-456-3123
TDD: 206-464-7293
TDD toll free: 1-800-276-9883
Fax: 509-458-3548
Cynthia Lanphear, Contact Person
Consumer and Business
Office of the Attorney General
1019 Pacific Avenue, 3rd Floor
Tacoma, WA 98402-4411
253-593-2904
Toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
TDD: 253-464-7293
TDD toll free: 1-800-276-9883
June Bachman, Supervisor
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
500 West 8th Street, Suite 55
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-690-4751
Toll free in WA: 1-800-551-4636
TDD: 206-464-7293
TDD toll free in WA: 1-800-276-9883
Fax: 360-690-4762
Web site: www.wa.gov/ago
City Offices
Patrick Sainsbury
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Fraud Division
900 4th Avenue, #1002
Seattle, WA 98164
206-296-9010
Fax: 206-296-9009
E-mail: pat.sainsburg@metrokc.gov
Web site: www.metrokc.gov/proatty/
Mel McDonald, Director
Revenue and Consumer Affairs
Seattle Department of Finance
600 4th Avenue, #103
Seattle, WA 98104-1891
206-684-8625
Fax: 206-684-8625
E-mail: peggie.scott@ci.seattle.wa.us
Craig Leisy
Consumer Affairs Supervisor
Revenue and Consumer Affairs
Seattle Department of Finance
805 South Dearborn
Seattle, WA 98134
206-386-1298
206-386-1296
Fax: 206-386-1129
Web site: www.PAN.ci.seattle.wa.us/ESD/consumer/default.htm
Ed Gonzaga, Consumer Affairs Inspector
Executive Services Department
Revenue and Consumer Affairs
Division of Finance
600 4th Avenue, #103
Seattle, WA 98104-1891
206-233-7837
Fax: 206-684-5170
E-mail: edgonzaga@ci.seattle.wa.us
Web site: 199.174.51.22/esd/home.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.John Bley
Director, Department of Financial Institutions
P.O. Box 41200
Olympia, WA 98504-1200
360-902-8707
Fax: 360-586-5068
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.
Deborah Senn
Insurance Commissioner
14th Avenue and Water Street
P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, WA 98504-0255
360-753-3613
Toll free in WA: 1-800-562-6900
Fax: 360-586-3535
TDD: 360-664-3154
Web site: www.wa.gov/ins