Filing a Consumer Complaint in California
How to report a business to the California Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: File a consumer complaint against a business with the Attorney General's office using its online complaint form. The form asks for details of the transaction, the company representatives you dealt with, and the resolution you want. California Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Complaint Against a Business/Company
| Filing a complaint | File a consumer complaint against a business with the Attorney General's office using its online complaint form. The form asks for details of the transaction, the company representatives you dealt with, and the resolution you want. The Attorney General cannot give legal advice or represent you in a personal legal action. Complaints about licensed businesses (such as auto repair shops or contractors) can also go to the licensing agency, e.g., the Bureau of Automotive Repair or the Contractors State License Board. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | California's Consumers Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1750 et seq.) lists unfair and deceptive practices in consumer transactions. A consumer harmed by a listed practice can sue for actual damages, an injunction, restitution, punitive damages and other relief, and a prevailing consumer is awarded court costs and attorney's fees. Seniors and disabled consumers may receive up to $5,000 more in some cases. California's Unfair Competition Law (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200) also prohibits unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business practices. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1780 |
Where to get help in California
- California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General (Public Inquiry Unit)
- File a complaint or claim
More California consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in California
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in California
- Contractors and Repair Shops in California
- All California consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in California?
File a consumer complaint against a business with the Attorney General's office using its online complaint form. The form asks for details of the transaction, the company representatives you dealt with, and the resolution you want. The Attorney General cannot give legal advice or represent you in a personal legal action.
What is the consumer protection law in California?
California's Consumers Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1750 et seq.) lists unfair and deceptive practices in consumer transactions. A consumer harmed by a listed practice can sue for actual damages, an injunction, restitution, punitive damages and other relief, and a prevailing consumer is awarded court costs and attorney's fees. Seniors and disabled consumers may receive up to $5,000 more in some cases. California's Unfair Competition Law (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200) also prohibits unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business practices.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.