Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced last week that his Consumer Protection Division achieved significant financial gains for Georgia in 2024, securing over $38 million for state taxpayers and a further $39.3 million in savings and restitution for Georgia consumers.

These substantial recoveries were achieved through a variety of enforcement actions, including legal settlements, mediation, and the effective administration of the Georgia Lemon Law. Notably, a significant portion of the restitution, $3.3 million, will be returned to nearly 500 Georgia consumers, many of whom are older or disabled adults, who were victims of deceptive marketing practices involving unproven stem cell products. “Last year, we secured nearly $80 million for Georgia taxpayers and Georgia consumers, met with seniors to share important information on elder fraud and exploitation, and partnered with our business community to address the rise in cybercrime,” stated Attorney General Carr. “Helping Georgians protect their hard-earned dollars is a top priority, and anyone who seeks to take advantage of consumers and businesses in our state will be held accountable. Education is key, and we encourage Georgians to review one of the many resources we offer to ensure they know how to recognize, avoid, and report a scam.”

Beyond financial recovery, the Consumer Protection Division also played a crucial role in assisting over 26,755 consumers throughout the year. Attorney General Carr’s office emphasized the importance of proactive consumer education and outreach. Throughout 2024, the Consumer Protection Division actively engaged with various communities across the state. They participated in the Paulding County Seniors Fair, visited with the Chatham Retired Educators Association and the Athens Community Council on Aging to educate seniors on recognizing and avoiding scams and fraud. Furthermore, they collaborated with the Georgia Association of REALTORS to address the growing threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams and other fraudulent activities targeting the real estate industry.

Carr says that enforcement and education underscores the Attorney General’s commitment to protecting Georgia consumers and businesses from fraud and deceptive practices.