The wage garnishment provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) protect employees from discharge by their employers because their wages have been garnished for any one debt, and it limits the amount of an employee's earnings that may be garnished in any one week. CCPA also applies to all employers and individuals who receive earnings for personal services (including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses and income from a pension or retirement program, but ordinarily not including tips).

Accepts complaints on telemarketing issues such as: junk faxes, Do-Not-Call violations, pre-recorded telephone messages, automatic telephone dialing systems, and unsolicited commercial e-mail messages to cell phones, pagers, and other wireless telecommunications devices. Under certain circumstances, the agency may pursue legal action on these cases. Also accepts general complaints from consumers on certain aspects of long distance telephone billing disputes including: land line, wireless, and internet service. Under certain circumstances, agency may provide mediation between consumer and service provider, but will not pursue legal action. Otherwise, will direct caller to the proper agency.

Works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. Conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country. Service divisions include Advertising Practices, Consumer and Business Education, Enforcement, Financial Practices, Marketing Practices, Planning and Information, and Privacy and Identity Protection.

The FMLA entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons, or for any “qualifying exigency” arising out of the fact that a covered military member is on active duty, or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty, in support of a contingency operation. The FMLA also allows eligible employees to take up to 26 workweeks of job-protected leave in a “single 12-month period” to care for a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness.

Maintains the National Injury Information Clearinghouse, conducts investigations of alleged unsafe or defective products, and establishes product safety standards. Assists consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of products and conducts education programs to increase consumer awareness. Operates the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which monitors a statistical sample of hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with consumer products. Maintains free hotline to provide information about recalls and to receive reports on unsafe products and product-related injuries. Publications describe hazards associated with electrical products and children's toys. Spanish-speaking operator available through the toll-free number listed above

Investigates complaints related to consumer protection laws. Mediates disputes when warranted. Areas of inquiry include retail purchases, pyramid schemes, advertising, business opportunities, home improvements, consumer credit, health spas, mail order businesses, automobile purchases, parts, repairs, odometer roll backs, etc.

Enforces the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Ohio Homebuyers’ Protection Act. Investigates complaints related to consumer protection laws and mediates disputes when warranted. Consumers may also look for information about complaints a company may have recieved through the Attorney General's Office as well as information as to how the dispute was resolved. Areas of inquiry include retail purchases, for-profit tax preparers, Internet auctions, pyramid schemes, advertising, business opportunities, home improvements, consumer credit, health spas, mail order businesses, new car parts, automobile repairs repairs, tax preparation companies, etc. Will investigate (and if warranted, prosecute) for-profit mortgage foreclosure counseling companies. Can take complaints on mortgage servicers concerning escrow issues and problems dealing with the application of payments. Cannot address complaints against mortage services concerning modifications or foreclosure issues. Cannot take complaints against banks. Does not provide legal advice or representation as a private attorney. Cannot handle consumer issues regarding the purchase of used cars, public utilities, doctors, lawyers, insurance, real estate, financial investments, and state agencies. Offers consumer tips, printed information, and presentations about consumer issues. May also search for lawsuits the office has filed against individuals and businesses that violate the state’s consumer laws.

Acts as the residential consumer utility advocate. Represents the interests of Ohio households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and the courts. Will give general information and/or answer questions about utility services. Will accept and assist with complaints related to either submetering or basic wire line phone service. Utility sub-metering is a system that allows a landlord, property management firm, condominium association, homeowners association, or other multi-tenant property to bill tenants for individual measured utility usage. The approach makes use of individual water meters, gas meters, or electricity meters. For complaints related to other utility issues not listed above, clients should contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)

Provides investigation of all types of consumer scams, along with one on one assistance to support residents who lose money or info to scams. Will attempt dispute resolution, including mediation with the parties (consumer and business), including debt collection abuses, home repair companies auto sales and car repairs, store pricing, appliance warranty issues, and other complaints related to specific business interactions with consumers. The agency can/will refer a complaint or a violation to the county prosecutor, Ohio attorney general, Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or other appropriate agencies with jurisdiction over the complaint. May also enforce violations through civil actions.

State’s official crime lab. Provides criminal investigative services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies upon request. Can submit a law enforcement tip on BCI investigation, crystal meth leads, election fraud, environmental enforcement, marijuana leads, public corruption, sex offender leads, submit a missing persons tip, unsolved homicide tip, report Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect.

For purchases of new cars on trucks who may have the Lemon Law in 1987 (this does not apply to used cars or trucks).

Provides safety information and answers questions about food, nutrition, dietary supplements, food labeling, cosmetics, pet food, food additives, food biotechnology, blood products, vaccines, and medical devices. Handles complaints concerning food (except food items inspected by the USDA including meat, poultry, and egg products), food labeling, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and medical devices that are under FDA regulation.

Has jurisdiction over 15,000 consumer products and accepts complaints regarding the safety of these products. Does not handle complaints about cars, food, drugs, medicine, medical devices and other medical products, child car seats, cosmetics, firearms, and business practices. Alerts the public to product hazards and product recalls (including those relating to lead) and provides safety information. Offers printed safety information on a variety of consumer products and issues.

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA) generally prevents employers from using lie detector tests, either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment, with certain exemptions. Employers generally may not require or request any employee or job applicant to take a lie detector test, or discharge, discipline, or discriminate against an employee or job applicant for refusing to take a test or for exercising other rights under the Act. In addition, employers are required to display the EPPA poster in the workplace for their employees. The Employment Standards Administration's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) enforces the EPPA.

State’s official crime lab. Provides criminal investigative services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies upon request. Can submit a law enforcement tip on BCI investigation, crystal meth leads, election fraud, environmental enforcement, marijuana leads, public corruption, sex offender leads, submit a missing persons tip, unsolved homicide tip, report Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect.

Provides a Consumer Hotline to obtain product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. A central website and mailing address has been set up by the three nationwide credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. A central website and mailing address has been set up by the three nationwide credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

State’s official crime lab. Provides criminal investigative services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies upon request. Can submit a law enforcement tip on BCI investigation, crystal meth leads, election fraud, environmental enforcement, marijuana leads, public corruption, sex offender leads, submit a missing persons tip, unsolved homicide tip, report Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect.

Provides information and answers questions regarding food safety issues such as storage, handling, preparation, product dating and content, seasonal foods, preventing foodborne illness, and power outages. Publicizes warnings to the public to avoid foods that may be a health hazard such as foods that are contaminated or contain potentially hazardous ingredients. Accepts consumer complaints regarding problems with meat, poultry, or egg products only. Handles complaints on issues such as incorrect packaging or foreign objects (plastic, glass, etc.) in food items.

Handles complaints about pharmacists, suspected violations of federal or state drug laws, and problems dealing with drug products. The types of complaints handled mainly deal with incorrect dispensing issues, drug law violations, and confidentiality issues in Ohio. Does not handle complaints regarding pricing or conduct, such as rudeness.

Investigates consumer complaints, white collar crimes, and the fraudulent use of Department of Job and Family Services programs in Greene County.

Works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. Conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country. Service divisions include Advertising Practices, Consumer and Business Education, Enforcement, Financial Practices, Marketing Practices, Planning and Information, and Privacy and Identity Protection.

Program protects Ohioans from predatory and illegal business transactions by enforcing laws regulating consumer/business transactions. Trained specialists process complaints and operate a toll-free hotline. Investigators follow up on complaints to determine whether further action is warranted and attorneys initiate litigation when complaints cannot be settled through non-legal channels.

Seeks to improve the quality of care and quality of life of residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Ohio. Handles complaints, advocates for residents, and helps resolve problems between the individual and the long-term care provider. Offers information about resident's rights, quality of care, and quality of life. Can provide some information about advance directives such as living will and durable power of attorney for health care.