(a) A person who deals with an auctioneer licensed under this chapter and who is aggrieved by an action of the auctioneer as a result of a violation of a contract made with the auctioneer may initiate a claim against the fund by filing with the department a complaint against the auctioneer.
(b) The department may not pay a claim against an auctioneer who was not licensed at the time of the transaction on which the claim is based.
(c) The department shall investigate a complaint filed under this section and determine the amount owed to the aggrieved party.