When you have been wronged or cheated by someone, there is a
number of public agencies available and willing to help! You may
wish to keep this column, which I update annually, for future
reference. If you have been cheated by a retail store or service
provider, and you have not obtained satisfaction after providing
the opportunity, carefully set forth your complaint in writing to
the store or provider and send copies of your letter to the
appropriate local or state agencies.
Does your concern pertain to AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR? Send a copy
of your letter to the Bureau of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of
Automotive Repair at 10220 Systems Parkway, Suite D, Sacramento,
CA 95827 (916) 255-4200.
If you believe your MEDICAL DOCTOR has committed malpractice
or engaged in impropriety, contact the Central Complaint Unit of
the Medical Board of California, 1426 Howe Avenue, Suite 54,
Sacramento, CA 95825-3236 (800) 633-2322. For information
regarding a doctor's license or to determine if any disciplinary
actions or accusations have been filed, call the Consumer
Information Unit at (916) 263-2382. If your concern pertains to
a DENTIST, contact the Board of Dental Examiners, 1432 Howe
Avenue, Suite 85, Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 263-2300.
Does your problem concern HOME IMPROVEMENTS, contact the
Contractor's State License Board at (800) 321-2752, for the
appropriate complaint forms. The Board agent taking your call
will advise you of the correct branch office of the Board to
which your complaint form should be directed.
Complaints pertaining to INSURANCE should be directed to the
California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline (213) 897-
8921, or if outside of Los Angeles, call (800) 927-4357, or write
to the California Department of Insurance, 300 S. Spring Street,
9th Floor, South Tower, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Concerns pertaining to a LENDING OR FINANCE COMPANY or
problem related to FRANCHISES should be directed to the
California Department of Corporations (213) 736-2741 or 736-2731,
3700 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600 Los Angeles, CA 90010.
If your complaint pertains to a STOCKBROKER, contact the
Consumer Affairs Department of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, 5670 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA
90036 (323) 965-3849. Complaints with the SEC must be filed in
duplicate. You may also contact the National Association of
Securities Dealers, 1735 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
(800) 289-9999, or at 300 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 1600, Los
Angeles, California 90071 (213) 627-2122. Complaints with the
SEC must be filed in duplicate.
State law limits the manner in which a COLLECTION AGENCY can
go about its business. At one time, there was a state agency
that supervised the activities of collection agencies; however,
the agency no longer exists. An attorney should be contacted to
assist in this area. You should be aware, however, that the
California Civil Code prohibits a debt collector from making
certain threats, engaging in practices of harassment, and
undertaking certain communication with others regarding consumer
debt.
Local prosecutorial agencies customarily maintain a CONSUMER
FRAUD unit and can be of great assistance. Contact the Los
Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Consumer Protection
Division, 201 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA
90012 (213) 580-3273 or the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office,
Consumer Protection Section, 1600 City Hall East, 200 N. Main
Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 485-4515. The State of
California also maintains a consumer fraud unit known as the
Office of Attorney General, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255,
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550 (800) 952-5225.
A federal agency which frequently addresses CONSUMER FRAUD
(Fair Credit) matters is the Federal Trade Commission, 10877
Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 824-
4300 or (310) 824-4343, or Federal Trade Commission, 901 Market
Street, Suite 570, San Francisco, CA 94103.
ACCOUNTANTS are subject to the supervision of the Board of
Accountancy, 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA
95815-3832 (916) 263-3680.
The conduct of ATTORNEYS is governed by the State Bar of
California, 1149 S. Hill Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 765-1000 or 555 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-
4498 (415) 561-8200.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs maintains a
number of boards, committees and commissions governing the
conduct of providers of goods and services to consumers. If this
article has not mentioned an agency with which you might want to
be in contact, contact the Consumer Information Center of the
Department of Consumer Affairs, 400 R Street, Suite 1080,
Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-3758 or (800) 952-5210.
