How to File a Consumer Affairs Complaint in California

Anyone who has experienced fraud, misconduct, or poor service from a professional or business regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) can file a complaint with the DCA (if the DCA does not regulate the business, review our complete guide to business complaints in California for additional options). 

Examples of DCA Complaints: 

• Home Improvement Issues – A contractor takes payment but doesn’t complete the work.

• Auto Repair Fraud – A mechanic charges for unnecessary or incomplete repairs.

• Deceptive Business Practices – Hidden fees, false advertising, or misleading contracts.

• Poor Healthcare Treatment – A doctor, dentist, or pharmacist engages in unethical conduct.

If you believe you've been wronged by a licensed professional or business in California, you can file a complaint with the DCA to seek resolution and prevent future issues for others.  You can also include a copy of your complaint as part of your evidence if you decide to sue the business in small claims court. 

Need to file a complaint against a business in a different state? Check out our 50-state guide to business complaints.

To file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), follow these steps:

1. Determine the Correct Board or Bureau

The DCA oversees more than 36 boards and bureaus, each handling specific industries (e.g., contractors, auto repairs, medical professionals).

Find the right agency for your complaint using the DCA's website.

2. Gather Necessary Information

Before filing, you will need to gather the following information:

• Your contact information

• Business/professional name and details

• Description of the issue, including dates and transactions

• Copies of receipts, contracts, emails, or other evidence

• If you sent a demand letter to the business, include it to show that you tried to resolve the dispute directly with the business before filing a complaint.  

3. File the Complaint Online or by Mail

Online:

• Visit the DCA Complaint Page

• Select the appropriate board or bureau

• Follow the instructions to submit your complaint

By Mail:

• Download the complaint form from the DCA website

• Complete the form and attach copies of supporting documents

• Mail it to the appropriate board or bureau

4. Follow Up

• You may be contacted for additional information

• Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the complaint

• The DCA may attempt mediation, conduct an investigation, or take disciplinary action

If you need assistance, call the DCA Consumer Information Center at (800) 952-5210.

Option 1: Send a Demand Letter

Before you file a complaint, make sure you communicate directly with the business about your concerns. This often clears things up. 

If communicating via phone or email with the business doesn’t work, consider sending a demand letter. A demand letter is a formal letter that explains what happened and requests that they resolve the problem before you decide to escalate.  It also signals to the other side that you are serious about the issue and willing to take action to resolve it. Many problems are resolved by simply sending a demand letter.

You can also consider sending a demand letter before you file a complaint with the DCA as you can include your letter as part of your evidence. Your letter will show that you tried to resolve the issue before escalating and filing a complaint. You can also include your demand letter as part of your evidence if you need to sue in small claims court later on. 

Option 2: File a Complaint with the California Attorney General

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. 

If you would like to file a complaint with the California Attorney General, here is how:

• Online: Submit the complaint using their Online Form

• 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

Option 3: File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

If the business continues to ignore your requests even after you have tried communicating with them, consider also leaving reviews on all review platforms available, particularly the BBB. Consumers tend to check reviews when engaging with different businesses and if the business cares about their online reputation, then this may be a powerful avenue of getting your complaint resolved. 

The BBB is a non-profit that serves as an intermediary between businesses and consumers. It’s not a government agency and cannot force the business to resolve a disagreement with you. 

Reasons why some companies respond to BBB complaints 

• If the business is accredited with the BBB and doesn't respond to a BBB complaint, its accreditation may be revoked, and the complaint becomes part of its BBB profile.

• If the business is not accredited with the BBB, the complaint will become part of their BBB profile.

• BBB reviews provide other consumers with confidence when engaging with a business. Most businesses do not want negative BBB complaints.

How to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB):

1. Go to the Better Business Bureau website.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button “Start Your Complaint.”

Review our guide on when it’s worth filing a complaint with the BBB. 

Option 4: Consider Suing in California Small Claims

If the California DCA was not able to resolve your complaint, you may be able to file a small claims lawsuit against the business or individual.  Do not wait, as there are set deadlines for when you can sue.

When you file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), they take several steps to review and handle your issue. Here's what typically happens:

1. Reviewing the Complaint

• The DCA checks if your complaint falls under their authority.

• If it does, they forward it to the appropriate licensing board or bureau.

• If it doesn’t, they may direct you to another agency that can help or they may tell you that it is a civil issue they don’t handle (you would then consider if you would like to sue the business in small claims court).

2. Investigating the Issue

• Depending on the case, the DCA or its boards may contact the business or professional you’re complaining about.

• They might request records, ask for explanations, or try to mediate a resolution.

• Some cases get closed quickly if there isn’t enough evidence of wrongdoing.

3. Taking Action (If Necessary)

• If they find violations of laws or regulations, they can issue warnings, fines, or even suspend/revoke a license.

• In serious cases, they may refer the matter for criminal prosecution.

4. Informing You of the Outcome

• You’ll typically be notified about the results, but they might not be able to share all details, especially if legal action is involved.

DCA mainly regulates licensed professionals (like contractors, doctors, or auto repair shops). If your complaint involves refunds or damages, you may need to pursue a civil lawsuit instead.

The length of the complaint process with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the specific board or bureau handling it. 

Here's a general timeline:

1. Initial Review (1-4 weeks)

• The DCA or the relevant board/bureau reviews your complaint to determine if it falls under their authority.

• If they need more information, they may contact you for clarification.

2. Investigation (Several weeks to several months)

• If the complaint requires an investigation, it can take a few months to over a year, depending on the severity and complexity.

• Some cases, especially those involving fraud or health/safety risks, may be prioritized.

• If the case involves legal action or hearings, it can take even longer.

3. Resolution (Varies widely)

• Some complaints may be resolved quickly through mediation.

• If disciplinary action is needed (such as fines, license suspension, or revocation), the process may take months or even years, especially if appeals are involved.

4. Notification of Outcome

• Once the case is resolved, you’ll typically be informed of the results, but details may be limited if legal action is pending.

If you're dealing with a time-sensitive issue, it may help to follow up with the specific board or bureau handling your complaint. Would you like help finding the right contact information?

The California DCA takes complaints against licensed professionals and businesses that fall under its jurisdiction. This includes more than 250 different professions regulated by various boards and bureaus.

You can file complaints against professionals and businesses in fields such as:

Healthcare & Medical

• Doctors, nurses, and physician assistants

• Dentists and dental hygienists

• Pharmacists and pharmacies

• Chiropractors, optometrists, and acupuncturists

• Psychologists, therapists, and counselors

Construction & Home Improvement

• Contractors and construction companies (via the Contractors State License Board)

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians

• Home inspectors and pest control services

Auto Repair & Transportation

• Auto mechanics and repair shops (Bureau of Automotive Repair)

• Smog check stations

• Tow truck companies

Beauty & Personal Care

• Barbers, cosmetologists, and estheticians

• Massage therapists

Real Estate & Financial Services

• Real estate agents and brokers

• Mortgage lenders and loan officers

• Accountants and tax preparers

Other Licensed Professions

• Private security guards and alarm companies

• Veterinarians

• Funeral and cemetery services

• Land surveyors, architects, and engineers

Who Can't You File a Complaint Against

• Unlicensed businesses (Some DCA departments take complaints against unlicensed businesses, others do not. Check with the specific department when you file your complaint). 

• Retail stores, landlords, or general consumer products (try the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the California Attorney General's Office)

• Workplace issues (Contact the California Labor Commissioner)

The California DCA oversees various professions and services, handling numerous consumer complaints annually. While specific complaint data can vary yearly, certain categories consistently receive higher volumes of grievances.

Top Complaint Categories:

1. Contractors and Construction Services: Many consumers report issues related to home improvement projects, including disputes over contracts, substandard workmanship, and unlicensed contracting activities.

2. Automotive Repairs: Complaints often involve engine repairs, general maintenance, auto body work, and transmission services. For instance, from January to June 2024, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) received:

   • 2,988 complaints about engine repair and performance

   • 1,529 complaints related to auto body repairs

   • 1,452 complaints concerning general repair and maintenance

3. Medical Professionals: The DCA receives complaints against healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists. These complaints can pertain to issues like unprofessional conduct, negligence, or substandard care.

4. Financial Services: Consumers frequently lodge complaints about financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and payday lenders. Common issues involve disputes over fees, loan terms, and misleading financial advice.

5. Real Estate and Housing: Complaints in this category often relate to real estate agents, landlords, and property management companies, covering issues such as misrepresentation, unfair rental practices, and unlicensed activities.

It's important to note that the DCA comprises over 36 boards and bureaus, each handling complaints specific to their regulated professions. For detailed and up-to-date information on complaint statistics, you can visit the DCA's official website or their Open Data Portal.

If you have a specific complaint or need assistance, the DCA's Consumer Information Center is available to help. You can reach them at 800-952-5210 or visit their website for more information.

Los Angeles County has its own Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), which is separate from the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).  If you're a resident of Los Angeles County and need assistance with consumer-related issues, the Los Angeles DCBA is available to help.

The DCBA serves consumers, businesses, and communities within Los Angeles County through education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. Its mission is to create a fair and vibrant marketplace for consumers and businesses. Learn about filing a complaint with the Los Angeles County DCBA. 

Key Services:

• Consumer Protection: Assisting residents with issues related to purchases, contracts, fraud prevention, credit disputes, and identity theft.

• Tenant and Landlord Assistance: Providing guidance on rental agreements, rights and responsibilities, and mediating disputes between tenants and landlords.

• Financial Empowerment: Offering resources and programs to help individuals manage finances, access banking services, and receive free tax preparation assistance.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 800-593-8222

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/