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Consumer Relations Unit
Overview:
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) comprises 38 entities (9 bureaus, 1 program, 24 boards, 3 committees, and 1 commission) that license more than 2.6 million Californians in over 180 different professions; including doctors, dentists, contractors and auto-repair technicians. DCA entities have regulatory authority to handle complaints against those businesses or professionals licensed by DCA, enforce laws and regulations governing those professions, and discipline violators.
However, DCA can still help if your complaint falls outside of our regulatory authority. Our Consumer Relations Unit (CRU) receives and reviews consumer complaints regarding a wide variety of issues that are either unregulated in California or regulated by other state or federal agencies. The CRU will assist the consumer to resolve their complaint through mediation efforts, if possible, provide helpful information to make informed decisions in the marketplace, and refer complaints to the appropriate state or federal agency, when applicable.
In addition, the CRU reviews complaints received from the public regarding services provided by a DCA board, committee, commission, bureau, program, or division. The CRU conducts independent inquiries and reports the findings to the DCA Director. The CRU helps to ensure that DCA provides fair and equitable services to California consumers, licensees, and applicants.
