Consumer FAQs

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From in-store to online purchases, today's consumer can be overwhelmed and faced with a wide variety of concerns. Below are a few examples of questions you may have. If you would like to discuss a specific consumer issue, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call (408) 792-2880.

1. How can a consumer file a complaint about a business?

A consumer complaint form must be completed and submitted to the Consumer Mediation Services Unit. The form is available on the DA’s Consumer Protection Unit webpage or by calling (408) 792-2880 to obtain a copy by mail. The completed form can be submitted online or by mailing to:

Consumer Mediation Services Unit
Office of the District Attorney
70 West Hedding Street, 4^th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110

2. Where can a consumer get assistance with a small claims filing?

For information regarding Small Claims Court, you may check the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Self-Help Small Claims webpage or call a small claims advisor at (408) 882-2100 (press 2, then 6), Monday-Friday, between 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Since there are time requirements that apply to such matters, you should do so as soon as possible.

3. Where do I report a scam?

In situations where you have become victim to a scam, our Office recommends that you report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. Even when you are not a victim, you should report all scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at (877) 382-4357 and the Attorney General's Office at (800) 952-5225 . These government agencies both accept complaints regarding scams.

If there was any personal or financial information that was shared with the scammer(s), we suggest you contact all three credit bureaus to place a freeze on your credit reports and prevent the scammer(s) from opening fraudulent credit accounts in your name.

Equifax

(800) 685-1111

Experian

(888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)

Transunion

(888) 909-8872

4. Where do I file a complaint against my contractor?

The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) regulates all licensed and unlicensed contractors in California. You can contact the CSLB at (800) 321-2752 or file a complaint on their website.

5. Where do I file a complaint against an auto repair shop?

All complaints that involve an auto repair shop should be filed with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) which is the regulatory agency. You can contact them at (800) 952-5210 or file a complaint using their website.

6. Who do I complain to about an auto dealership?

Dealerships in California are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They have an investigation department that can help you try and address your complaint.

You can contact the Santa Clara County Investigations Division District Office at (408) 942-2952 or file a complaint using their website.

7. Who do I contact about a landlord-tenant dispute?

Unfortunately, our Office does not mediate landlord-tenant disputes. We do, however, provide referrals to outside agencies that specialize in these types of complaints and who can offer further assistance. Please refer to the below table of agency programs to select correct contact information based on your city of residence.

CITY	AGENCY PROGRAM	CONTACT NUMBER
Campbell	Campbell Rent Mediation	(408) 243-8565
Cupertino	Project Sentinel	(408) 720-9888
Gilroy	Project Sentinel	(408) 842-7740
Los Altos Los Altos Hills	Los Altos Mediation Program	(650) 949-5267
Los Gatos	Los Gatos Rental Dispute Program	(408) 402-0307
Milpitas	Project Sentinel	(408) 946-6582
Morgan Hill	Project Sentinel	(408) 842-7740/ (408) 465-2330
Mountain View	Mountain View Mediation Services	(650) 960-0495
Palo Alto	Palo Alto Mediation Program	(650) 856-4062
San Jose	Bay Area Legal Aid Rental Rights and Referrals	(800) 551-5554 (408) 975-4480
Santa Clara	Project Sentinel	(408) 720-9888
Sunnyvale	Project Sentinel	(408) 720-9888
Unincorporated Santa Clara County	Project Sentinel	(408) 842-7740

8. I have legal questions I need answered. Where can I get free legal advice?

Unfortunately, the Office does not investigate complaints in which someone is seeking a private or personal remedy, does not represent individual complainants, and does not offer legal advice.

We suggest you consult with a private attorney who can answer legal questions, offer legal advice and advocate on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation with a local private attorney, please contact the Santa Clara County Bar Association at (408) 971-6822. You can also get your legal questions answered and obtain free legal advice from the Lawyers in the Library program at (408) 808-2382.

9. What can I do to stop unwanted robocalls and texts?

For the latest information on how to stop unwanted robocalls and texts, please visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website.

10. I am a consumer who has fallen victim to a fraud. Who can I turn to for help?

It can be scary, infuriating, and confusing when you are a victim of fraud. We appreciate the seriousness of your situation. The appropriate agency to report all criminal activity is your local law enforcement agency. They will investigate credible criminal complaints requiring further examination.

The agency will also determine whether charges will be filed and turned over to the DA’s Office for prosecution. In most instances, only then will the DA’s Office get involved.

Online fraud should also be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).