The Virginia Real Estate Transaction Recovery Act provides relief to eligible consumers who have incurred losses through the improper or dishonest conduct of a licensed real estate salesperson, broker, or firm. The Recovery Fund is supported entirely by assessments paid by licensees, not by any tax revenues. Filing a claim does not guarantee payment. State law limits a single Recovery Fund claim to $20,000. Multiple claims involving the same real estate licensee are limited to $100,000 per biennial license period. If multiple claims involving one licensee exceed $100,000, the claim amounts must be prorated. If there is reason to believe there will be multiple claims involving one licensee, payment of claims will be delayed for a period not to exceed one year. The Recovery Fund does not pay interest, punitive damages, exemplary damages, or any amounts that do not constitute actual monetary loss to the claimant. However, the award (claim) may include attorneys' fees and court costs. Claimants should be aware that obtaining assistance from the Recovery Fund is not a swift process in most cases, and occurs only after all other civil legal remedies are exhausted.

Provides pre-purchase reports based on customer relations experiences and complaints as reported to the BBB. Also provides marketplace education and dispute resolution services to the community, which are funded by members of the Better Business Bureau.

The Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Act provides relief to eligible consumers who have incurred losses through the improper or dishonest conduct of a licensed residential contractor. The Recovery Fund is supported entirely by assessments paid by licensed contractors, not by any tax revenues. State law limits a single Recovery Fund claim to $20,000. Multiple claims involving the same contractor are limited to $40,000 per biennium. If multiple claims involving one contractor exceed $40,000, the claim amounts must be prorated. If there is reason to believe there will be multiple claims involving one contractor, payment of claims will be delayed for a period not to exceed one year. The Recovery Fund does not pay interest, punitive damages, exemplary damages, or any amounts that do not constitute actual monetary loss to the claimant. However, the award may include attorneys' fees and court costs. Claimants should be aware that obtaining assistance from the Recovery Fund is not a swift process in most cases, and occurs only after all other civil legal remedies are exhausted.

Receives and processes complaints about hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice services. Manages surveys for compliance with federal care plan and state regulation. Inspects health care facilities, programs and services for compliance with federal and state regulations.

Helplines assist callers in several categories of financial crisis.

Provides information to facilitate intelligent buying decisions. Also provides consumer education; outreach; and charity review through the National BBB Philanthropic Advisory Service that offers tips for wise giving and information on charities soliciting donations.