Consumer & Environmental Protection
The Consumer and Environmental Protection Division is comprised of a consumer unit and an environmental unit. The Consumer Unit investigates and prosecutes unfair, fraudulent, and dishonest business practices which harm consumers and honest businesses. The Consumer Unit also receives and investigates consumer complaints. The Environmental Unit uses a combination of civil and criminal prosecution to enforce the laws that prohibit the illegal disposal of hazardous wastes and other pollutants onto public or private property and into the air and waterways.
Consumer Unit
The Consumer Unit investigates and prosecutes unfair, fraudulent, and dishonest business practices which harm consumers and honest businesses. Learn More
Environmental Unit
The Environmental Unit of the Division was created in 1990. The members of the Environmental Unit investigate and prosecute cases that involve violations of those code sections designed to protect the environmental quality of our community.
A prosecution can be based upon the Health and Safety Code, the Penal Code, the Vehicle Code, the Water Code or the Fish & Game Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
My business was the victim of a non-sufficient funds (NSF) bad check. What can I do?Steve2019-12-25T02:47:57-08:00
Report the crime to the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred. The DA’s Office no longer investigates non-sufficient funds checks.
Does your office offer any assistance in Small Claims matters?Steve2021-09-08T14:37:15-08:00
Click here for legal remedies that you can take in resolving disputes with individuals or businesses.
I think I’ve been cheated by a contractor/ tradesman/ shopkeeper, or other person who provides labor or services. Can the District Attorney’s Office help me?Steve2021-09-08T14:36:54-08:00
Contact our Consumer Unit at 916-874-6174 or daoffice@sacda.org. You can also fill out a Report Consumer Fraud.
How do I verify if a business is operating legitimately or if it has been the subject of complaints?Steve2019-12-20T15:50:21-08:00
How do I verify if a business is operating legitimately or if it has been the subject of complaints?
The Better Business Bureau provides information about businesses and consumer complaints.
I think I may be the victim of Real Estate Fraud; what services are available to me?Steve2021-09-07T22:30:32-08:00
More information on real estate fraud, services available to victims, resources, and reporting forms are available here. Call 916.874.9045 for more information.
