Thinking of filing a complaint against a business? Consider also sending a demand letter.
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The California Attorney General (“CAG”) is the state’s top legal advisor, with many responsibilities and duties like advising the state, representing California in court, and most importantly, the California attorney general investigates consumer complaints against businesses and individuals. Their office is known as the Office of the Attorney General.
In addition to filing a complaint with the California Attorney General or if they cannot assist you, consider sending the business a demand letter. We have a free tool that helps you write a demand letter. Check out our demand letter tool.
Common Types of California Attorney General Complaints![Link icon](/icons/link.svg?w=48)
There are many types of California Attorney General consumer complaints, but among the most common are by consumers looking to file a complaint against a business for false representations or various types of discrimination such as for housing and jobs.
If you believe a business has committed a crime, make sure to contact your local district attorney’s office or City Attorney instead as the CAG does not handle criminal complaints.
How to File a Complaint with the California Attorney General![Link icon](/icons/link.svg?w=48)
If you would like to file a complaint with the California Attorney General, here is how:
By Phone: 916-322-3360
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-800-952-5225
By Mail: Download, fill out, and mail this form to P.O Box 944255, Sacramento 94244
By FAX: Download, fill out, and fax this form: (916) 323-5341
Online: Submit the complaint using their Online Form
Information you will need to answer on the California Attorney General complaint form includes:
your name and address,
the name and address of the business you’re filing against,
knowledge of what your relationship is to the business,
the disputed amount, and
the reason behind your complaint.
What to Expect After You Have Filed a California Attorney General Complaint![Link icon](/icons/link.svg?w=48)
The CAG will determine whether to investigate a company, but cannot assist individuals on an individual basis or give legal advice. Usually, the attorney general only takes action when many consumers have filed complaints against the same business.
The attorney general may also refer you to another government agency that specializes in the type of complaint you filed or may tell you to reach out to an attorney.
What Happens If My Attorney General Complaint Leads Nowhere? ![Link icon](/icons/link.svg?w=48)
Option 1: Send a Demand Letter
If the California Attorney General doesn't assist you, consider sending the business a demand letter. We have a free tool that helps you write a demand letter. Check out our demand letter tool.
Here is a video on how our demand letter tool works:
Option 2: Consider Suing in California Small Claims
If you could not file a complaint with the California Attorney General or the California Attorney General was unable to resolve your complaint, you may be able to file a small claims lawsuit against the business or individual.
Common types of small claims lawsuits:
Return of security deposit
Towing company disputes
Problems with mechanics and contractors
Businesses not providing the goods or services they promised
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Camila Lopez
Legal Educator at JusticeDirect. Camila holds a law degree and is a certified mediator. Her passion is breaking down complicated legal processes so that people without an attorney can get justice.