Attorney General Curtis Hill  advised consumers to contact his office if they have been penalized for posting truthful online reviews of goods or services they have received.
The advice comes on the heels of a Dec. 15, 2017, lawsuit filed in Brown County by the Office of the Attorney General against Abbey Management Inc., a business that maintained a written policy of charging consumers an additional $350 and threatening them with legal action in the event they posted negative reviews. At least one consumer was charged this additional fee after posting a negative review. The defendant’s actions in maintaining and enforcing this policy were unfair, abusive and deceptive – and they violated Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
“People have the right to truthfully complain about bad service,†Attorney General Hill said. “They certainly should not be afraid they might be penalized for exercising this right. If you believe you have suffered retaliation or been threatened as a result of posting a truthful review, please contact our office and we will investigate your complaint.â€
In Indiana, individuals may file consumer complaints with the Office of the Attorney General by going online to indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.
Attached are two documents connected to the Brown County case – a copy of the lawsuit and the original consumer complaint.
