Available Services
Welcome to the Department of
Consumer Affairs
At DCA, our goal is to create a fair and vibrant marketplace for consumers and businesses.
If you are a consumer, a business, a senior, or a litigant, we can help. We also offer rewarding volunteer and internship opportunities.
Our staff goes out of their way to try and help all residents of Los Angeles County. We think our Department’s motto sums it up, “…because everyone’s a consumer.”
Here’s a brief summary of our services:
Consumer Protection
(800) 593-8222
Our investigators resolve disputes you have with purchases, credit, automobiles, landlord tenant, identity theft and other consumer problems. We will investigate your complaint or provide counseling and referrals.
Real Estate Fraud and Homeowner Assistance
(800) 973-3370
We provide counseling, investigate complaints, and serve as the central reporting agency for real estate fraud. We can help you with problems concerning:
- A home purchase or sale
- Refinancing
- Contractors
- Real estate fraud
- Foreclosure
- Undeveloped land sales
Small Claims Advisors
(213) 974-9759
We can help you use the Small Claims Court. Our advisors will give you the information you need to:
- Get your case started
- Serve court papers
- Prepare for court
- Collect or pay a judgment
Dispute Settlement Service
(213) 974-0825
Instead of going to court, our mediators can help you resolve disputes with neighbors, businesses, and others. Our mediators are trained to be neutral and unbiased.
Identity Theft Unit
(213) 974-9459
We can help you deal with credit card and credit reporting companies, bill collectors and others. We will help get your finances back to normal and stop thieves from making new charges.
Senior Abuse and Fraud Protection
(213) 974-9778
Our staff investigates cases of financial fraud and abuse against seniors. This effort is in partnership with the Department of Community & Senior Services.
We also conduct “Smarter Senior Forums” to educate the public about:
- Elder abuse
- Independence and safety at home
- Fraud, scams, and identity theft
Volunteer and Intern Opportunities
(213) 974-9740
We offer rewarding opportunities for volunteers and interns to work with consumer affairs professionals. Volunteers and interns assist staff with consumer counseling, mediation, investigations, and special projects.
For more information click here.
Public Information and Community Outreach
(213) 974-9750
We take consumer outreach and education seriously. We provide:
- Speakers for groups and events
- Information by telephone 24/7
- Tipsheets (like this one)
- Extensive web resources
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