📅 2026 Update: Recent Developments in Consumer Protection in Connecticut

Since the original article was published, several significant changes have taken place in Connecticut regarding consumer protection and the role of the Attorney General. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to address consumer issues, market disruptions, and unfair trade practices. The earlier article continues further down the page.

⚠️ Abnormal Market Disruption

In September 2026, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection alerted the Attorney General about an abnormal market disruption linked to the wholesale price of motor gasoline or gasohol. According to Connecticut General Statute § 42-234, sellers cannot charge excessively high prices for these energy resources from September 28 to October 28, 2026. This law aims to protect consumers from price gouging during emergencies.

🚗 Settlement with Carvana

In January 2025, Attorney General William Tong announced a $1.5 million settlement with online used car dealer Carvana. This settlement followed numerous consumer complaints about the company's practices. Carvana agreed to set up a $1 million consumer restitution fund and pay a $500,000 penalty to the state.

This case highlights the Attorney General's commitment to holding businesses accountable for consumer rights violations.

📡 Expanded Complaint Against Altice/Optimum Online

In November 2025, the Attorney General filed an expanded complaint against Altice/Optimum Online. This complaint detailed $39.1 million in "Network Enhancement" fees charged to Connecticut consumers. It alleged deceptive advertising and violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Such actions are crucial for ensuring that consumers are treated fairly in the marketplace.

🔨 Warning Against Home Improvement Scams

Ahead of a nor’easter in September 2026, Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli issued a warning about potential home improvement scams. They urged residents to verify contractors and obtain written contracts before hiring. This proactive approach aims to protect consumers from fraud, especially during times of increased demand for home repairs.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • ⚠️ Price gouging laws are in effect for gasoline until October 28, 2026.
  • 🚗 Carvana settled for $1.5 million due to consumer complaints.
  • 📡 Altice/Optimum Online faces a complaint for deceptive fees.
  • 🔨 Warnings issued about home improvement scams before storms.
  • 🏛️ Ongoing efforts to protect consumer rights in Connecticut.

💡 Tips for Filing Consumer Complaints

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

📝 File Complaints Online

Consumers can file complaints online using the Department of Consumer Protection's eLicense portal. To complete the complaint, visit elicense.ct.gov. Make sure to register or log in to save your progress.

📬 Other Filing Methods

If you prefer, you can submit complaints by mail, email, or fax. The Department of Consumer Protection's contact information is available for those methods. Using multiple options may help speed up the process.

⏳ Expect Acknowledgment Times

After filing a complaint, allow up to one week for the Department of Consumer Protection to acknowledge your submission. If they can assist, expect them to reach out to the business within four or more weeks for a resolution.

🔍 Know Your Rights

Understand your rights under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA). This law protects consumers against unfair practices. If you suspect violations, consider filing a complaint to seek redress.

📞 Reach Out for Help

For general inquiries or assistance, contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-808-5318 or attorney.general@ct.gov. They provide resources and information on consumer rights.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What should I do if I believe I was overcharged?

If you think you were overcharged, gather all relevant evidence and contact the Department of Consumer Protection. They handle complaints related to unfair pricing practices.

📄 How long does it take to resolve a complaint?

Resolution can take up to four weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the responsiveness of the business involved.

👵 Is there help for elder abuse cases?

Yes, the Elder Justice Hotline offers information and assistance for older adults facing issues like abuse or fraud. You can contact them at 1-866-466-4446.

📞 How can I submit a complaint by mail?

To submit a complaint by mail, send it to the Department of Consumer Protection at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.

💻 Can I save my complaint form?

Yes, you can save and return to your complaint form online if you register or log in before starting the process.

❓ What if I need general consumer information?

For general consumer inquiries, you can reach the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-808-5318 or email attorney.general@ct.gov.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Consumer Protection

Recent court rulings reflect ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure fair practices. These cases often involve issues of price gouging, unfair trade practices, and business accountability.

Explore more recent rulings in the news section for updates on consumer protection cases. more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



What is the Attorney General Connecticut?



The Connecticut Attorney General is a legal and administrative position undertaken by the appointed individual serving as the primary attorney – or Connecticut lawyer – on behalf of the State of Connecticut; the appointment of the Attorney General Connecticut takes place through a statewide election. Although the Attorney General Connecticut undertakes a vast array of duties and responsibilities, amongst the foremost of their responsibilities is to serve the collective citizenship of the State of Connecticut through legislative advocacy and the guardianship of legal statutes:



The Attorney General Connecticut



The Connecticut Attorney General is Democrat George Jepsen, who was elected in 2011:



George Jepsen’s term ends in 2015



George Jepsen received his legal degree from Harvard Law School



The Office of the Attorney General Connecticut



The Office of the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut is located in the State Building in Hartford, Connecticut.



Criminal Justice Duties of the Connecticut Attorney General



The various divisions of the Attorney General Connecticut include the following:



Antitrust Division



Child Protection Division



Civil Rights and Torts Division



Collections and Child Support Division



Consumer Protection Division



Employment Rights Division



Environmental Division



Finance and Public Utilities Division



Health and Education Division



Health Care Fraud, Whistleblower, and Health Care Advocacy Division



Public Safety and Special Revenue Division



Special Litigation Division



Transportation, Housing, and Public Works Division



Workers' Compensation and Labor Relations Division



The History of the Connecticut Attorney General



The first Connecticut Attorney General was Charles Phelps, who served from 1899 to 1903



The Legal Process and Procedure of the Attorney General Connecticut



 

Connecticut Attorney General


 



Administrative Law and the Connecticut Attorney General



Administrative Law is the legal field associated with events and circumstances in which Federal and State Governments of the United States interact with their respective citizens, including the administration of government programs, the creation of agencies, the establishment of a legal, regulatory standard; as a result, the Connecticut Attorney General is an example of a State officer responsible for the protection and preservation of the rights and liberties afforded to the citizens of the State of Connecticut.



In addition to serving as the primary prosecuting attorney on behalf of the State of Connecticut, the Attorney General Connecticut also serves as the chief advocate of legislature and statutory regulation existing within the State of Connecticut



Common Law and the Connecticut Attorney General



The Connecticut Attorney General is identified as an officer within the legal realm of Common Law, which is the legal field and ideology considered to rely on past legal statutes, sentencing, and judicial review to serve as guidelines for sentencing; both the reference and respect of past judicial decisions as a means of determination for current legal hearings is amongst the primary ideologies inherent within Common Law:



In many cases, the Attorney General Connecticut will employ the legal ideology of ‘Stare Decisis’ with regard to appellate hearings requested within the State of Connecticut; Stare Decisis facilitates a hierarchy with regard to legal venue, within which the process of appeals is determined for potential hearings



Upon the ruling set forth by a court classified as a ‘lower’, an appeal may be subject to judicial review by a court ‘classified as ‘higher’ only in the event that the ‘higher court’ has cited fault within the initial sentencing; however, case decisions, rulings, and Connecticut Attorney General Connecticut judicial review will be cited as primary sources with regard to sentencing



Contacting the Connecticut Attorney General



The Office of the Connecticut Attorney General may be contacted through the following means:



Address for the Office of the Connecticut Attorney General



Office of the Connecticut Attorney General



55 Elm Street



Hartford, Connecticut



06106



Telephone Numbers for the Office of the Attorney General Connecticut



The telephone number for General Information is (860) 808-5318; however the following supplementary telephone numbers – with regard to specific legal issues – are as follows:



Antitrust Division: (860) 808-5040



Child Protection Division: (860) 808-5480



Civil Rights and Torts Division: (860) 808-5160



Collections and Child Support Division: (860) 808-5150



Consumer Protection Division: (860) 808-5400



Employment Rights Division: (860) 808-5340



Environmental Division: (860) 808-5250



Finance and Public Utilities Division: (860) 808-5270



Health and Education Division: (860) 808-2620



Health Care Fraud, Whistleblower, and Health Care Advocacy Division: (860) 808-5355



Public Safety and Special Revenue Division: (860) 808-5450



Special Litigation Division: (860) 808-5020



Transportation, Housing, and Public Works Division: (860) 808-5090



Workers' Compensation and Labor Relations Division: (860) 808-5050