Oregon Department of Justice

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the State of Oregon government’s law firm and is administered by the State Attorney General. The Attorney General has control and supervision of all court actions involving the state, state agencies, state officials or employees sued for actions taken in the course and scope of their duties. Besides providing legal services, the Department of Justice also provides other services with law related functions including child support enforcement; technical and investigative assistance to district attorneys; organized crime investigation; consumer protection and charitable trust supervision; and crime-victim compensation. In all, the Department of Justice and the Attorney General have responsibility and authority under more than 350 state statutes.

Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection Section

The Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection Section enforces the Unlawful Trade Practices Act, commonly known as Oregon’s consumer protection law. The Section also educates consumers and businesses.

Direct Assistance to Consumers

Consumer complaints are the best way to identify potential fraud and marketplace abuses. The Section’s consumer hotline gets tens of thousands of calls every year. As complaints are received, enforcement officers investigate and mediate disputes to help protect consumers.

Prevention Efforts

The Section educates consumers through a number of consumer-friendly materials, in-person presentations, the Scam Alert Network and Twitter Account.

Trade Practices Act Enforcement and Civil Prosecution

The Unlawful Trade Practices Act (UTPA) protects Oregon consumers.

In cases that may result in financial harm to consumers, the Attorney General may seek $25,000 in penalties for each violation, an injunction, attorneys fees and restitution.