How Can I Help? – Frequently Asked Questions: Consumer Protection
This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Consumer Protection issues to help you resolve concerns with federal agencies on your own.
However if you still need help after reviewing this information, contact my Camarillo or Solvang office and my staff will open a case and we will act as your liaison with the appropriate federal agency.
If you believe that you have been defrauded by a business, and have been unable to resolve the complaint on your own, there are several federal, state, and county agencies that may be able to assist you.
• Federal Trade Commission
• State of California
• County Governments
Most businesses engaged in interstate commerce are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection. The Bureau of Consumer Protection regulates:
• advertising practices, including truth-in-advertising laws;
• financial services practices, including protecting consumers from predatory or discriminatory lending practices, as well as deceptive or unfair loan servicing, debt collection, and credit counseling practice;
• marketing practices, including Internet, telecommunications, and direct mail fraud, deceptive spam, fraudulent business, investment, and work-at-home schemes, and violations of the Do Not Call Rule.
If you believe a business has violated FTC rules, you may file a complaint online.
You may also file a complaint with the state agency that directly regulates the business or profession of the individual or company about which you want to complain. To find the correct agency, go to California Department of Consumer Affairs.
You may also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by completing an on-line complaint form or send your complaint in writing by regular mail to: Attorney General’s Office, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550.
You may file a complaint with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit by calling 805-654-3110 or 805-654-3180 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed noon to 1:00 p.m.)
You may file a complaint with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office by contacting:
Office of the District Attorney
1112 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-2300
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