No, you do not need a lawyer to file a consumer complaint. Many government agencies and organizations provide resources for consumers to file complaints about products and services directly, without the need for legal representation. For example, the USAGov website provides information on how to file complaints about consumer products and services, phone and text scams, and unwanted calls and texts from telemarketers and scammers. The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection also accepts complaints about unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices and develops rules to maintain a fair marketplace. Additionally, many state attorney general offices provide mediation services for consumer complaints.
However, if you need to take legal action against a business, such as filing a lawsuit in small claims court, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and represent you in court if necessary. It's important to note that while you don't necessarily need a lawyer to file a consumer complaint, having legal representation can be beneficial in some situations.