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The Attorney General’s Office strives for the fair treatment of consumers when it comes to their use of the telephone. The Residential and Small Business Utility Division (RUD) welcomes information from consumers regarding their experiences with a local telephone service provider, a long distance carrier, or a cellular service company. RUD accepts in all areas of telecom, and acts as an advocate for consumers by helping to resolve disputes between Minnesota consumers and telecommunications companies. The Office also represents the public’s interests before the Public Utilities Commission and the Legislature. In addition, the Office provides the following consumer information to help educate citizens on the many different issues relating to the telephone.

The Phone Handbook
The Phone Handbook is intended to provide Minnesota consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing telecommunications environment.

Minnesota's Automatic Dialing-Announcing Device Law
This Memorandum is to provide guidance to candidates, political campaigns, political parties, political committees, and others concerning Minnesota's automatic dialing-announcing device law.

Tips to Avoid "Do Not Call" Scams
Many Minnesotans who want to get fewer telemarketing calls have signed up with the state “Do-Not-Call” list maintained by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Scam artists have taken advantage of the popularity of state “Do-Not-Call” lists to trick consumers into giving up personal information such as their social security, bank account, credit card or calling card numbers. This fact sheet has information that can help prevent you from becoming a victim of this fraud.

Cellular Phone Contracts
This bulletin discusses issues consumers can consider before purchasing a cellular phone contract.   Among other things, the bulleting discusses different fees associated with cellular phone contracts.

Reducing Junk Mail and Sales Calls
This two-page information sheet covers telemarketing laws and contact information on organizations consumers can contact to help cut down on telemarketing calls, including credit reporting agencies and phone companies.

Beware of Door-To-Door Sales and Telemarketers That Target Seniors
Senior citizens make up one-twelfth of the population in Minnesota, but are often disproportionately targeted for fraud over the telephone and at their doorstep. The Attorney General’s Office gives senior citizens the following advice when it comes to unsolicited door-to-door callers and telemarketers

Charities--Avoid Shams and Scams
This column is designed to provide tips to make sure that when you give a charitable gift, your money is being used as you intend.

Beware of Phishing (PDF)
We live in the land of 10,000 lakes, but not all fishing in Minnesota involves walleye or northern pike. Attorney General Lori Swanson warns consumers to be on guard against fraudulent operators “phishing” (not “fishing”) for consumers’ personal information.

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