File a Consumer Complaint (original) (raw)

Consumer Protection Division

Consumer Complaint Resources

Use this page to prepare your complaint, choose the right form, access printable forms, review next steps, and contact our office if you need help.

1 to 3 business day review target Up to 3 online attachments Printable forms available Automatic confirmation email

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Complaint Guide

How to Complain Effectively

Before filing, review our complaint guide for tips on contacting the business, asking the right questions, organizing your information, and preparing a stronger complaint.

What this guide covers

• Who to contact first
• What information to gather
• What questions to ask
• How to document your efforts
• How to strengthen your submission

Before You Submit

Prepare your complaint for a smoother review

Gathering the right information before you begin can reduce delays and help complete your submission.

Helpful information to gather

• Business name and contact information
• Important dates tied to the issue
• Receipts, contracts, statements, screenshots, or emails
• A clear summary of what happened
• The resolution you are seeking, if known

Attachment note: Online submissions may include up to three attachments. If you need to send more, consider zipping files when appropriate.

Important submission reminder

Successful online submissions generate an automatic confirmation email.

If you do not see this message, check your junk or spam folder.

If you do not receive a confirmation email, your submission may not have gone through and you may need to resubmit.

Choose the Right Option

Select the form or reporting option that best fits your issue

Choose the option that best matches your situation. If you are unsure, use the quick decision helper below.

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Specialized Form

Bank / Credit Card / Mortgage Complaints

Use this form for complaints involving banks, credit card companies, mortgage servicers, checking or savings accounts, or related servicing issues.

Examples include billing disputes, mortgage servicing concerns, payment processing problems, or bank account servicing issues.

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Specialized Form

Price-Gouging Complaints

Use this form to report excessive pricing on essential goods or services during a declared disaster.

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General Complaint

All Other Consumer Complaints

Use the main consumer complaint form for issues not related to banking, credit cards, mortgages, or disaster-related price gouging.

This is the best option for most consumer concerns. If your complaint does not fit one of the specialized categories above, begin here.

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Compliance Reporting

Crypto ATM Compliance Reports

Use this option to learn about Crypto ATM reporting and compliance requirements and access the dedicated Crypto ATM page.

Use the dedicated page for Crypto ATM compliance report information, guidance, and next steps.

Price Gouging

Reporting excessive pricing during disasters

Iowa law may prohibit excessive price increases on essential goods and services during declared disasters. If you believe you were overcharged, this section explains what to look for and how to report it.

What qualifies as price gouging?

Price gouging may occur when a business significantly increases prices on goods or services needed after a disaster declaration.

• Water, food, or basic household supplies
• Fuel, utilities, or temporary housing
• Medical supplies or medications
• Cleanup, repair, or construction services

Important: Price increases must be tied to a declared disaster and may be evaluated based on timing, necessity, and reasonableness.

What information helps your report

• Photos or screenshots of advertised prices
• Receipts or proof of purchase
• Business name and location
• Date the price was observed or charged
• Any comparison to prior pricing, if known

The more documentation you provide, the easier it is to evaluate your concern.

When should you use this form?

Use the price-gouging complaint form when your concern involves pricing tied to a disaster or emergency.

• The price increase occurred after a disaster event
• The item or service is essential
• The increase appears excessive or unreasonable

Want to review the law?

Iowa's price gouging rule explains how excessive pricing is evaluated during disasters.

This is optional. You do not need to interpret the law before submitting a report.

Not Sure Which One Fits?

Quick decision helper

Is your issue related to a bank, credit card company, mortgage company, or account servicing?

Is your concern about excessive pricing during a disaster or emergency?

Are you specifically looking for information about Crypto ATM compliance reports?

Recommended option: Bank / Credit Card / Mortgage Complaint Form

Based on your answers, the specialized bank, credit card, and mortgage complaint form is likely the best fit.

Recommended option: Price-Gouging Complaint Form

Based on your answers, the price-gouging complaint form is likely the best fit.

Recommended option: Main Consumer Complaint Form

Based on your answers, the general consumer complaint form is likely the correct starting point.

Recommended option: Crypto ATM Information Page

Based on your answers, the Crypto ATM page is likely the best place for compliance report information and guidance.

Paper and Mailed Complaints

Need to file by mail instead?

If you cannot complete an online complaint form, you may print one or contact our office to request one by mail.

Printable forms

Select the printable form that best matches your concern.

Before mailing your form

• Send copies of supporting documents instead of originals whenever possible.
• If you send originals and want them returned, you must request their return.
• Documents not requested to be returned may be destroyed after intake.
• If requesting a mailed form, specify whether you need a specialized form.

Mailing address

Office of the Attorney General of Iowa
Consumer Protection Division
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0106

What Happens Next

What to expect after you file

Here is the general process after a successful online complaint submission.

1

You submit your complaint

Choose the correct form and provide supporting documentation.

2

You receive confirmation

An automatic email is sent after a successful online submission.

3

Staff review the submission

Our office reviews the materials and checks for completeness.

4

Complaint is processed

Processing begins once all required documents, signatures, and other items are received.

5

You typically hear back

The current response time is generally 1 to 3 business days for complete submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions

If all required documents, signatures, and other materials have been received, the current review and response time is generally 1 to 3 business days.

Check your junk or spam folder first. If you do not receive an automatic confirmation email, your submission may not have been successful and you may need to resubmit.

Yes. Online submissions can include up to three attachments. If you have more than three files, you may wish to zip them when appropriate.

Yes. You may print and mail a complaint form or contact the office to request one by mail.

Need Help?

Contact the Consumer Protection Division

If you need help, need a form mailed to you, or have questions about how to proceed, contact our office.