Cambridge Consumers’ Council

The Cambridge Consumers’ Council is a city office that helps people resolve disputes with businesses. Working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General, it investigates complaints and mediates between consumers and companies. Common issues include advertising and telemarketing, auto repair and sales, cable and satellite service, home improvement contractors and retail purchases. Staff also track marketplace trends and suggest new or amended consumer protection legislation.

The council provides resources and education on topics such as identity theft, online security, free credit scores and the new car lemon law. It runs a public information hotline and maintains the Cambridge Resources Story Map, an interactive guide to services for residents. Several times a year it hosts free public document shredding events with A1 Datashred outside the Cambridge Senior Center.

What to Know

• It serves residents of Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, Arlington and Belmont.
• Complaints are also accepted about businesses in those communities regardless of where the consumer lives.
• Attention is given to elders, people with disabilities and people facing language barriers, without regard to income.
• The council’s website also lists information on public Wi-Fi access in Cambridge.