Consumer protection can start with you

As a first responder, I have seen many fires and injuries caused by faulty equipment or failed safety mechanisms. Manufacturers are driven to decrease the risks of these events because of their liability if something goes wrong, but bad products do get through the gates sometimes. How many times have you seen a product recalled because of deaths or injuries? As a child of the 1980s, lawn darts and prize-filled Kinder eggs are the first things to come to my mind, banned in 1988 and 2006, respectively.

As consumers, we all want to feel safe and protected when using products or services. But what happens when you find something that feels unsafe or could potentially be harmful? There are several ways to report consumer safety concerns and make a difference in your community, and they do not require a lot of work.

First, it is essential to understand what types of issues fall under consumer safety concerns. These can include unsafe or defective products, misleading or false advertising, scams or fraudulent business practices, unsafe or unsanitary conditions in stores or restaurants, and violations of consumer protection laws.

If you encounter any of these issues, do not hesitate to report them. It does not matter how much you like a place or a manufacturer, or who might work there that you know. Your voice matters to save other people, and your actions can help prevent others from experiencing the same problems.

In Alaska, we can call the Consumer Protection Unit of the Alaska Attorney General's Office. This unit investigates consumer complaints and enforces state consumer protection laws. To file a complaint, you can:

1. Visit the Alaska Attorney General's website at and fill out an online complaint form.

2. Call the Consumer Protection Unit's hotline at (907) 269-5200 or toll-free at 1-888-576-2529

3. Mail a written complaint to the Consumer Protection Unit at 1031 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501

When filing a complaint, be sure to provide as much detail as possible. Provide the name of the business the sold and manufactured it, the product or service involved, and any relevant dates or documentation. Take photos of any elements that failed or broke. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the Consumer Protection Unit to investigate your concerns.

Another valuable resource is the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. This agency regulates various industries and professions in the state, such as contractors, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists. If you have concerns about the safety or quality of services provided by a licensed professional, you can file a complaint with the appropriate licensing board.

Make sure you are calling the correct board. Visit the Division's website and navigate to the page for the specific licensing board related to your concern. There, you will find information on how to file a complaint, along with any necessary forms or instructions. If in doubt, email the boards & commissions head office at boards@alaska.gov and ask.

In some cases, consumer safety concerns may be best addressed at the federal level. For example, if you have concerns about the safety of a food or medication, you can report it to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To file a report, visit the FDA's website and follow the instructions for submitting a consumer complaint.

If you have concerns about the safety of a consumer product other than food or medication, like a toy or toaster, you can report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Visit the CPSC's website to file a report online or call their hotline at 1-800-638-2772.

Remember, reporting consumer safety concerns is not just about protecting yourself – it is also about looking out for your fellow Alaskans. By speaking up when you see something unsafe or harmful, you can help make your community a safer place for everyone.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.