In every state, the office of consumer protection, also known as the office of consumer affairs, serves consumers by enforcing the many laws that protect them. The enforcement of consumer law is primarily accomplished through complaints - consumer affairs complaints are filed and then investigated by the state and local offices. If and when a violation of consumer law takes place, the consumer has the option of filing this complaint. To do so, the consumer should contact their local office of consumer affairs. Usually, an office of consumer affairs exists first at the state level, and then in individual local jurisdictions, such as counties or large cities. Depending on the office, filing a complaint can be performed either online, by mail, or by phone. After the complaint is filed, investigation of the case will occur. Complaints that are found to be justifiable violations will then be handled using resolution that could reach several levels - mediation, arbitration, and in some cases litigation on behalf of the state.