πŸ“… 2026 Update: Changes in Missouri Consumer Protection

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates regarding consumer complaints and protections in Missouri. The Missouri Attorney General's Office has seen a rise in consumer complaints, reflecting ongoing issues that affect residents today. The earlier article continues further down the page for more background and context.

πŸ“ˆ Top Consumer Complaints in 2025

In 2025, the Missouri Attorney General's Office received over 104,000 consumer complaints and inquiries. The most common issues included:

  • πŸ“ž No-Call Complaints: More than 33,600 complaints were made about illegal telemarketing calls.
  • πŸš— Automotive Issues: Over 2,400 complaints were related to cars, dealerships, and repair shops.
  • 🏠 Real Estate and Construction: 1,989 complaints were filed concerning home repairs and construction.
  • πŸ“ž Telemarketing: About 1,800 complaints focused on deceptive telemarketing practices.
  • πŸ†” Identity Theft: Approximately 1,500 complaints involved identity theft incidents.

πŸ’² Filing a Complaint

Filing a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office is free. Consumers can complete the Consumer Complaint Form online, print it for mail, or visit one of the regional offices to file in person.

⏳ Processing Times

Consumers can expect a response within 30 days after filing a complaint. However, if mediation is needed, this process may take several months depending on the complexity of the case.

πŸ“ Where to Get Help

Consumers can reach out to the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 for assistance. The Attorney General's Office also has regional offices in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis for in-person help.

πŸ“Œ Key Points

  • βœ… Over 104,000 consumer complaints were reported in 2025.
  • βœ… No-Call Complaints led with 33,600 issues reported.
  • βœ… Filing a consumer complaint is free and can be done online or in person.
  • βœ… Expect a response within 30 days after filing a complaint.
  • βœ… Contact the Consumer Protection Hotline for assistance.

πŸ’‘ Tips for Filing a Consumer Complaint in Missouri

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

πŸ“ Know Your Rights

Understand your rights under Missouri's consumer protection laws. These laws address unfair and deceptive business practices, ensuring that consumers can report fraud and misrepresentation.

πŸ“… File Promptly

For complaints about No-Call violations, file as soon as possible. While there is no strict deadline for other complaints, prompt reporting helps in resolving issues more quickly.

πŸ—‚ Keep Records

Document all relevant information. Keep records of any communications, transactions, or interactions that relate to your complaint. This will help support your case.

πŸ’» Use Available Resources

Utilize the resources provided by the Attorney General's Office. They offer various publications that can help guide you through the complaint process.

πŸ“ž Call for Help

If you need assistance, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222. They can offer guidance on how to properly file your complaint.

🏒 Visit Regional Offices

Consider visiting a regional office if you prefer in-person support. Offices are located in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis.

πŸ† Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

No national paid services met the review threshold for consumer protection resources in Missouri. Instead, here are free government and nonprofit options available to residents.

πŸ₯‡ 1. Consumer Protection Hotline

The Consumer Protection Hotline offers assistance to Missouri residents facing consumer issues. They provide information on how to file complaints and report fraudulent activities.

πŸ₯ˆ 2. No-Call Unit

The No-Call Unit helps residents register their phone numbers to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. They also handle complaints about violations of the No-Call list.

πŸ₯‰ 3. Regional Offices

The Attorney General's regional offices located in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis provide in-person assistance. Residents can get help with filing complaints and understanding their rights.

4️⃣ Consumer Protection Section

The Consumer Protection Section enforces laws like the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. This ensures that consumers can report unfair practices and receive the necessary support.

πŸ”Ž What to Check Before Paying for Help

  • βœ… Verify if the service is government-run or nonprofit.
  • βœ… Look for free resources first.
  • βœ… Confirm the credentials of the service providers.
  • βœ… Check for user reviews or testimonials.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❔ What types of complaints can I file?

The Missouri Attorney General's Office handles complaints related to unfair and deceptive business practices, including fraud, identity theft, and price gouging.

πŸ“ž How can I contact the Attorney General's Office?

You can contact the Missouri Attorney General's Office by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

πŸ•’ How long does the process take after filing a complaint?

You can expect a response within 30 days after filing. However, mediation processes may take longer, depending on the complaint's complexity.

πŸ“ Can I file a complaint online?

Yes, you can file a complaint online by completing the Consumer Complaint Form available on the Attorney General's website.

🏒 Where can I file a complaint in person?

Complaints can be filed in person at the Attorney General's main office or any of the regional offices located in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis.

🚫 Are there any fees to file a complaint?

No, there is absolutely no fee to file a consumer complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

βš–οΈ Recent Cases and Consumer Protection

Recent court rulings have addressed various consumer protection issues in Missouri, highlighting the importance of reporting unfair business practices.

For more information, browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



What is the Attorney General Missouri?

The Missouri Attorney General is a legal and administrative position undertaken by the appointed individual serving as the primary attorney – or Missouri lawyers – on behalf of the State of Missouri. Although the Attorney General Missouri undertakes a vast array of duties and responsibilities, amongst the foremost of their responsibilities is to serve the collective citizenship of the State of Missouri through legislative advocacy and the guardianship of legal statutes. The various divisions of the Attorney General Missouri include the following 4 divisions:



The Governmental Affairs Division regulates the Labor Division, Litigation Division, Public Safety Division, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit



The Law Enforcement Division regulates Concealed Carry Reciprocity, Crime Victims, State and Local Law, Prosecuting Attorneys, Vehicle Stops Report, and the Tobacco and Firearms Division



The Consumer Protection Division regulates Consumer Complaints, Identity Theft, 'No Call List' Registry, Consumer Corner, Consumer Publications, Elder Advocacy and Protection Bureau, and Business Registrations



The Agriculture and Environment Division regulates Environmental Protection and the Missouri Riven Bureau



The Attorney General Missouri



The Missouri Attorney General is Democrat Chris Koster, who was elected in 2009:



Chris Koster’s term ends in 2013



Chris Koster received his legal degree from the Law School at the University of Missouri



The Office of the Attorney General Missouri



The main Office of the Attorney General of the State of Missouri is located in the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Missouri; however, there are regional locations in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, and Springfield.



The History of the Missouri Attorney General



The first Missouri Attorney General was Edward Bates, who was served from 1820 to 1821; the appointment of the Attorney General Missouri takes place through a statewide election:



The Missouri District Attorney will typically litigate appellate hearings in the venue of the 8th Circuit Court Division of the United States



The 'Sunshine Law' Division; the 'Sunshine Law' is a piece of legislation allowing Missouri citizens the opportunity to attend State meetings and conferences



The Legal Process and Procedure of the Attorney General Missouri 



Administrative Law and the Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri:



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



Common Law and the Missouri Attorney General



The Missouri 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 Missouri will employ the legal ideology of ‘Stare Decisis’ with regard to appellate hearings requested within the State of Missouri; 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 Missouri Attorney General Missouri judicial review will be cited as primary sources with regard to sentencing



Mailing Addresses for the Office of the Missouri Attorney General



The Offices of the Missouri Attorney General may be contacted through the following means:



Jefferson City Location



The Main Office of the Missouri Attorney General at Jefferson City is a s follows:



Supreme Court Building



207 West High St.



P.O. Box 899



Jefferson City, Missouri



65102



Cape Girardeau Location



The address of the Cape Girardeau Location of the Office of the Missouri Attorney General is as follows:



2860 Kage Road



Cape Girardeau, Missouri



63701



Kansas City Location



The address of the Kansas City Location of the Office of the Missouri Attorney General is as follows:



Fletcher Daniels State Office Building



615 East 13th Street



Suite 401



Kansas City, Missouri



64106



Springfield Location



The address of the Springfield Location of the Office of the Missouri Attorney General is as follows:



Springfield State Office Building



149 Park Central Square



Suite 1017



Springfield, Missouri



65806



St. Louis Location



The address of the St. Louis Location of the Office of the Missouri Attorney General is as follows:



Missouri Attorney General's Office - Consumer Protection Division



Old Post Office Building



815 Olive Street



Suite 200



St. Louis, Missouri



63101



Telephone Number for the Office of the Attorney General Missouri



The telephone number for General Information is (573) 751-3321, which is specific to the primary office in Jefferson City; however the following supplementary telephone numbers – with regard to specific legal issues and locations – are as follows:



Cape Girardeau Regional Location: (573) 290-5679



Kansas City Regional Location: (816) 889-5000



Springfield Regional Location: (417) 895-6567



St. Louis Regional Location: (314) 340-7544