Consumer Services Guide (CSG)

Consumer Action Edition

The Consumer Services Guide is searchable directory of resources which can help you with consumer problems and questions. There are multiple editions of the ‘Guide’, some which deal with specific issues such as housing or credit. The full directory, the Consumer Service Guide Edition, provides access to all the resources collected by Consumer Action.

Records Found: 39

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Consumer Protection



• Appleseed
  A non-profit network of 17 public interest justice centers in the United States and Mexico, Appleseed is dedicated to building a society in which opportunities are genuine, access to the law is universal and equal, and government advances the public interest. Appleseed uncovers and corrects injustices and barriers to opportunity through legal, legislative and market-based structural reform. Working with our huge pro bono network, we…
  
  
• Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair
  Looks into complaints about invoices which exceed the written estimate, incompetent repairs, etc. Call to get a complaint form. Complaints in letter form are also acceptable.
  
  
• Bureau of Household Goods and Services
  The Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation regulates upholstered furniture and bedding products sold in California to make sure they meet health, fire safety, and labeling standards.
  
  
• California - Department of Consumer Affairs
  The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.
  
  
• California - Department of Insurance
  The Consumer Services Division is responsible for gathering and responding to consumer inquiries regarding insurance company or producer activities.
  
  
• California - Department of Real Estate
  The mission of the California Bureau of Real Estate is to safeguard and promote the public interests in REAL ESTATE MATTERS through licensure, regulation, education and enforcement. Handles unfair, misleading or fraudulent treatment by a licensee in real estate transactions. Call for complaint form. State your specific complaint, list witnesses and include copies of all documents.
  
  
• California - Housing Finance Agency (CHFA)
  CHFA finances below-market-rate loans to affordable rental housing and assists first-time home buyers.
  
  
• California State Department of Fair Employment and Housing
  The mission of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing is to protect Californians from employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination, and hate violence. The DFEH's statutory mandate is to protect the people of California from employment, housing and public accommodations discrimination and hate violence pursuant to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act, Disabled Persons Act, and Ralph Civil…
  
  
• Civil Rights Division, (DOJ)
  The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, created in 1957 by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin. Contact…
  
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
  The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. Congress established the CFPB to protect consumers by carrying out Federal consumer financial laws. Among other things, they: - Conduct rule-making,…
  
  
• Contra Costa County District Attorney
  Offers a limited mediation service; refers complaints it can’t handle to the appropriate agency.
  
  
• Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  Call regional offices for information on disclosable complaints against a particular contractor. Contact district offices about complaints against faulty or illegally executed work, unreasonable delays or other problems with contractors. Call automated operator to verify contracting licenses.
  
  
• County of Los Angeles District Attorney's Office
  Conducts civil and criminal prosecutions under California consumer protection and antitrust laws where business practices affect the general public. Does not handle individual consumer complaints; see the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs, above, or the Los Angeles Dispute Settlement Service.
  
  
• Federal Reserve Consumer Help
  Contact about complaints against state-chartered banks that belong to the Federal Reserve System. Also answers questions about consumer credit protection laws and regulations.
  
  
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  Enforces federal consumer protection laws concerning false advertising, deceptive business practices, inaccurate credit reports and handles complaints regarding credit cards, failure of banks to disclose credit terms, denial of credit because of discrimination and inaccurate disclosure of credit reports. May be able to assist with problems of abusive collection agencies.
  
  
• Fresno County District Attorney
  The Business Affairs Unit conducts investigations and prosecutions of consumer protection and fraud cases, business law violations, environmental law violations and major fraud.
  
  
• Home Improvement Branch, (HUD)
  Facts and pitfalls of home improvement. Sources that can help includes: federal loan programs, community-based programs, and consumer information.
  
  
• Housing and Economic Rights Advocates
  HERA is a California statewide, not-for-profit legal service and advocacy organization dedicated to helping Californians — particularly those most vulnerable — build a safe, sound financial future, free of discrimination and economic abuses, especially in the realm of housing. HERA provides free legal services in-person, by phone, fax, or email.
  
  
• Legal Assistance for Seniors
  Call if you are having legal problems with Social Security, SSI, health care (including Medi-Cal, Medicare or nursing home issues), senior or subsidized housing, elderly abuse or incapacity. Help is available to Alameda County residents over 60 years old.
  
  
• Los Angeles City Attorney
  Responsible for the civil and criminal enforcement of state consumer protection laws violated in the City of Los Angeles. Refers victims to appropriate investigative agencies. Also operates a dispute resolution program to assist individuals in resolving disputes.
  
  
• Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs
  Counsels, investigates and mediates consumer complaints resulting from transactions in the marketplace. Conducts special investigations and makes referrals to law enforcement or regulatory agencies. Provides information to consumers and investigates home improvement and home repair scams.
  
  
• Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA)
  Contact regarding problems concerning rent control in Los Angeles or mediation of unlawful eviction or rent increases.
  
  
• Marin County District Attorney
  The Consumer Protection Unit is responsible for handling a broad spectrum of consumer protection activities. Its focus is to protect honest citizens from fraudulent or dishonest business practices. They have four major areas of concern: enforcement, mediation, referral, and outreach.
  
  
• Marin County Mediation Services
  Mediation Services was established in 1980 to offer the public an alternative to court as a way of resolving disputes in a variety of areas. Professionally trained and experienced Mediators help to facilitate resolutions for parties in conflict and for victims in Juvenile Delinquency matters.
  
  
• Napa County District Attorney
  The Consumer and Environmental Protection Division of the Napa County District Attorney’s Office protects consumers and honest businesses from unfair business practices, ranging from a deceptive sales pitch by a local car dealer to false advertising by national corporations. It also serves to protect the environment and consequently, the health and safety of Napa County’s citizens.
  
  

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