Filing a consumer complaint in California is a straightforward way to address unfair business practices, deceptive acts, or concerns involving licensed professionals. The state’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) plays a central role in handling complaints, protecting consumers, and enforcing laws that promote fair marketplace behavior.
This page provides an overview of the complaint process in California, including where to file complaints, what happens after a complaint is submitted, and useful links to more detailed guides.
What Types of Complaints Can You File?
Under California law, the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs is responsible for receiving complaints about:
- Unfair methods of competition or deceptive business acts in any trade or commerce
- Goods or services that may endanger public health, safety, or welfare
- Violations involving businesses and professions licensed by DCA agencies
- Student concerns related to private postsecondary education and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund
- Other matters consistent with consumer protection purposes
This broad scope means consumers can report everything from fraudulent sales practices to unsafe products or professional misconduct.
Where and How to File Your Complaint
To file a consumer complaint in California, follow these general steps:
1. Identify the appropriate agency or board:
The DCA consists of multiple boards and bureaus overseeing specific industries and professions (e.g., Contractors State License Board, Medical Board, Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education). Some complaints are best directed to a specific board, while others can be filed directly with the DCA.
Links to DCA Boards and Bureaus
- Accountancy, Board of
- Acupuncture Board
- Arbitration Certification Program
- Architects Board, California
- Athletic Commission of California
- Automotive Repair, Bureau of
- Barbering and Cosmetology, Board of
- Behavioral Sciences, Board of
- Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
- Chiropractic Examiners, Board of
- Contractors State License Board
- Court Reporters Board
- Dental Board of California
- Dental Hygiene Board of California
- Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, Board for Professional
- Household Goods and Services, Bureau of (formerly Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI))
- Landscape Architects Technical Committee
- Medical Board of California
- Naturopathic Medicine, California Board of
- Occupational Therapy, California Board of
- Optometry, Board of
- Osteopathic Medical Board of California
- Pharmacy, Board of
- Physical Therapy Board of California
- Physician Assistant Board
- Podiatric Medical Board of California
- Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau for
- Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau for – Office of Student Assistance and Relief
- Professional Fiduciaries Bureau
- Psychology, Board of
- Real Estate Appraisers, Bureau of
- Registered Nursing, Board of
- Respiratory Care Board
- Security and Investigative Services, Bureau of
- Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Structural Pest Control Board
- California Veterinary Medical Board
- Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, Board of
2. Gather relevant information:
Include details such as business or professional name, dates, descriptions of the problem, and any supporting documents (contracts, receipts, correspondence).
3. Submit your complaint:
- Use the DCA's online complaint portal for many types of complaints.
- For certain boards or bureaus, filing instructions and forms are available on their respective websites linked through the DCA.
- Complaints can also sometimes be submitted by mail or phone—check the relevant board’s contact information.
4. Keep a copy:
Retain copies of your complaint and all supporting materials for your records.
What Happens After You File a Complaint?
Once the Director of Consumer Affairs receives a complaint, several actions may follow:
Notification to the alleged party:
The person or business complained against may be notified of the complaint and asked to respond or provide relief.
Referral to the proper agency:
The complaint may be forwarded to a local, state, or federal agency with the best authority to act.
Investigation:
If there is a probable violation or a pattern of complaints, the DCA or the relevant board may investigate further, potentially involving the Division of Investigation or law enforcement.
Action and resolution:
Depending on the findings, the agency may seek corrective action, discipline, or legal enforcement. The consumer will be informed of any actions taken or other options available.
Prioritization:
Some complaints, such as those alleging serious harm to minors, receive highest priority under complaint guidelines.
Helpful Links
- List of Boards and Bureaus under the DCA
- Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education Complaint Information
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) Information
- Consumer Affairs Act (California Business and Professions Code, Chapter 4)
- DCA Board & Bureau Public Meeting Calendar
- Click here to send your concerns to the DCA if you need assistance not relating to filing a complaint.
Mac Douglass | Editor
Mac Douglass | Editor