Consumer News Archive

After a disaster, who's helping and who's harming? After a Disaster, Expect the Best, Worst
Updated July 30, 2008
Fires, floods, earthquakes and other disasters are common in Southern California. Often, these events bring out the best in us. Sadly, some people see disasters as a chance to take advantage of those in need. Who can help? Who will try to cheat you? Consider these tips. more

Many new laws went into effect in January. New Consumer Laws for 2008
January 25, 2008
Do I have to spend every cent on that gift certificate?
When can I use a cell phone when I'm driving?
Can I file for Small Claims Court online?
Do I still get a homestead exemption if I get divorced?
Several laws have changed this year. Find them here.

Holiday Shopping
Updated November 29, 2007
Most of us get excited about shopping for the perfect holiday presents for our friends and loved ones. Sometimes our enthusiasm may cloud our financial judgment. The following tips will help you avoid holiday shopping problems and New Year’s budget blues. more

Stop junk from piling up. Simple Steps Can Cut the Clutter
August 1, 2007
Junk mail is clogging up the mailbox. Spam is doing the same to your inbox. Telemarketers are calling all the time. Pre-approved credit-card offers are piling up. You could build a new wing to your house to hold all the junk. Better yet, you can follow a few simple tips and help keep extra clutter out of your life. more

California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights
May 1, 2007
The Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights, a law that affects the rights of consumers, went into effect July 1, 2006. The law impacts the purchase of cars handled by a licensed dealer. more

Foreclosures are on the rise. Defaulted Loans Fuel Foreclosure Frenzy
April 12, 2007
Foreclosures are on the rise in Los Angeles County. The main cause is the rise in adjustable mortgage rates for homeowners who purchased in the past two years. As recently as 2005, if someone couldn’t afford a home they could easily sell it at a profit and avoid any problems. Help is available for homeowners and taking early action can save a home. more

DCA Elder Financial Abuse Class Fighting Elder Financial Abuse
March 12, 2007
Financial abuse of seniors is a growing problem. Some people call it “The crime of the 21st century.” The Department of Consumer Affairs is out to educate seniors before they might become victims. more

Felony Arrests in Real Estate Scam Of Elderly, Infirm
October 18, 2006
A yearlong investigation by County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) investigators resulted in the arrests of a Monterey Park couple this morning by Agents from the California Department of Justice. The couple is accused of unlawfully taking possession of roughly 100 homes, many of which are owned by senior citizens. The elderly victims were often ill or living in a nursing facility. more

Identity Theft Article Identity Theft: 10 Ways to Protect Yourself
The Federal Trade Commission reports there were 9 million cases of identity theft last year with losses to consumers of more than $5 billion. What’s more, 80% of those victimized do not know how their identity was stolen, or who did it. For these reasons, it’s important to understand how your personal and financial information can be stolen and what you can do to protect yourself. more

Predatory Lenders On The Prowl
Predatory lending is a term used by newspapers and the media to describe abusive lending practices. Predatory lenders only offer high interest loans with lots of junk fees tacked on, even though a homeowner or homebuyer may qualify for a better loan. High interest rates and unnecessary fees raise the loan amount and make it hard for borrowers to meet their monthly payments. This puts homeowners at risk of losing their home and the money they’ve put into it. more