Protecting Your Rights: A Guide to New Jersey Consumer Protection
New Jersey residents are backed by one of the strongest consumer protection systems in the country. With a population of over 9.5 million, the state maintains a dedicated approach to keeping marketplaces fair. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, through the Division of Consumer Affairs, works to prevent deceptive business practices and protect your hard-earned money.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you have been treated unfairly by a business, you don’t have to wait. Help is available immediately:
* Call the Hotline: Reach the Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free in NJ) or 973-504-6200.
* File Online: Submit a complaint or report a business at njconsumeraffairs.gov.
* General Inquiries: Contact the Office of Constituent Services at 609-984-5828 or write to 25 Market Street, PO Box 081, Trenton, NJ 08625.
The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA)
The state’s main tool for protecting you is the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA). Created in 1960, this law allows both the state and individual residents to take legal action against dishonest companies. Unlike other laws that require proof of bad intent, the CFA is very broad. It covers many forms of fraud, including misleading claims and intentional failures to disclose important information.
Taking Action Against “Junk Fees”
As of June 2026, the state has intensified its focus on “junk fees”—hidden or unnecessary costs that make products seem cheaper than they really are. This effort, supported by Executive Order No. 19 from Governor Mikie Sherrill, targets:
* Drip Pricing: When companies advertise a low price but add mandatory fees during the final checkout step.
* Hidden Surcharges: Unexpected costs added in sectors like event ticketing or financial services.
* Dark Patterns: Websites that use confusing design, like pre-selected boxes, to trick you into agreeing to services you don’t want.
Businesses caught violating these rules face heavy fines. The law also includes “fee-shifting,” which means if you win a lawsuit for fraud, the company may have to pay your legal fees and triple the amount of your damages.
A Shield for All New Jerseyans
The Attorney General’s office collaborates with teams like the Bureau of Securities and the Division on Civil Rights to ensure everyone is protected. This is especially important for New Jersey’s diverse communities, including our large foreign-born population and our senior citizens. Whether the office is helping seniors avoid predatory scams via the “Anti-Fraud Toolkit” or protecting your data privacy, their mission is to provide a safety net in a complex economy.