Coordinates with a variety of agencies to provide investigation of all types of consumer scams that Cuyahoga County residents encounter. Topics may include improper debt collection, landlord/tenant issues, identity theft, home repair programs, finance company, auto purchase, cable TV, cell phone service, Internet service provider, mortgage company, realtor, telephone solicitation, and other complaints related to specific business interactions. 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.

Licenses tattoo and body piercing establishments for compliance with health and safety requirements.

Regulates and enforces fair lending practices with regards to major national banks and lending institutions (not state chartered), and credit card companies. Accepts, and where warranted, acts to resolve consumer complaints regarding mortgage loans, car loans, student loans, pay day loans, other consumer loans, and bank account issues.

Accepts and, where possible, attempts to resolve complaints regarding debt collection practices, misrepresentation, fraud, impersonation of government or law enforcement officials, unethical or improper conduct of personnel, or other inappropriate business practices of collection agencies or repossessors. Offers information about The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Violators of acceptable collection behaviors may be liable to consumer for $1000-$1500 compensation fees.

Provides grade ratings on businesses, customer reviews, and dispute resolution. Accepts reports of unfair business practices and handles buyer/seller disputes concerning a company's products and services. Trade Specialists will investigate the consumer's issue and attempt to reach out to the company in question in order to reach a fair resolution. Does not provide legal enforcement or prosecute - but will share information with the Ohio Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies where warranted. Handles customer concerns with businesses in the following categories (but service not limited to these categories): Home improvement/repair, non-government owned utility companies, insurance companies, mortgage companies, banking, charities, check cashing, child care, realtors, restaurants (but doesn't handle food safety issues), and for-profit tax preparers. For medical facilities or services, will only help to resolve issues related to billing or customer service; does not take complaints concerning allegations of malpractice or medical competency.

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.

Provides companies' business reviews, requests reports on charities, lists of accredited businesses in specific industries, assistance with complaints with businesses and order brochures on a variety of markeplace issues.

Accepts complaints concerning on-site and in home child care providers as well as preschool programs. In many cases, will help the client determine which agency licences/accredits the provider and then guide them through the complaints process for that particular agency.

Accepts concerns and complaints from inmates, prison staff, and concerned citizens in Ohio regarding prisons in the State of Ohio. Operates a legislative committee that inspects the prisons of Ohio and evaluates programs, operations, conditions, and the grievance procedure.

Advocates for people receiving nursing home care, assisted living care and home care services. Investigates and attempts to resolve all types of complaints about care and services. In some cases, may mediate disputes between patients and their health care service provider. Provides information on long-term care options, laws, and regulations.

Ensures the safety of all amusement rides within the state of Ohio. Provides assistance for consumers who want to report health and safety hazards encountered at traveling carnivals, fairs, theme parks, water parks, penny arcades, or other amusement parks.

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.

Investigates and attempts to resolve all types of complaints about care provided to residents in licensed nursing homes and adult care facilities, and consumers of home care services. Ombudsman volunteers are present in nursing homes to speak with residents, observe conditions, and resolve simple complaints. The Ombudsman Program provides information on long-term care options, laws, and regulations.

The BBB AUTO LINE makes resolving your lemon law complaint as simple as possible. Their role is to open communication between you and your manufacturer and to assist in the speedy resolution of your auto warranty or lemon law dispute. AUTO-LINE will guide you each step of the way: through collecting documentation, negotiating a possible settlement and navigating the arbitration process. Learn more about the complete BBB AUTO LINE dispute resolution process by visiting the BBB website to get started.

Takes and investigates complaints from the public regarding possible federal antitrust violations or potential anti-competitive activities, both civil and criminal. Examples of reportable activities are price-fixing between or among companies or rigging bids unfairly.

Provides licensing and inspections for businesses offering tattoo, body piercing, microblading or a combination of these services for permanent facilities or temporary events.

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.

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.

Accepts and, where possible, attempts to resolve complaints regarding the safety of any of a wide variety of consumer products.

Investigates complaints and advocates for residents of long term care facilities. Assists nursing home and group home residents with asserting their rights and with problems concerning Medicare, Medicaid, and social security. Handles complaints of long term care services provided in home and community settings. Promotes volunteer visitation and advocacy services.

The FCC addresses consumer complaints related to interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.

Accepts and, where possible, attempt to resolve complaints regarding unethical or improper conduct of personnel or other inappropriate business practices of collection agencies or repossessors.

Provides comprehensive reports (including evaluation and accreditation) of charities. Maintains lists of BBB Accredited Charities by industry. Hears complaints dealing with consumer issues with a business and/or their products or services. Handles complaints against doctors or attorneys only in relation to billing issues. Provides recorded and printed information about consumer topics. Offers accreditation for businesses. Assists with concerns about charity donations.

Provides recreational boating safety tips, investigates consumer complaints about boats, issues product safety recalls, and maintains a database of boats that have been recalled. This agency regulates recreational watercraft. Boating recalls are NOT covered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Regulates and licenses charitable organizations within the State of Ohio. o.