What happens if a business refuses to cooperate or what happens if a business does not offer an agreeable settlement?
If a business refuses to cooperate or if an amicable solution is not reached, generally the person who files the complaint must pursue the matter in court (usually Small Claims Court). One of the purposes of Consumer Affairs is to reduce the burden on the Courts through non-binding mediation, and therefore, Consumer Affairs treats lawsuits as a last resort for the consumer. If a case goes to court, Consumer Affairs provides both the consumer and the business with copies of records relating to our attempts at mediation, upon request. In addition to the consumer pursuing a claim in court, if our office feels that consumer fraud may be involved, we will forward the file to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and/or to the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. The District Attorney and/or Attorney General’s office will review the claim to see if it merits further investigation and prosecution.
