Free online event hosted by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation features vital advice from state and federal organizations.
Student loan debt can be stressful, time consuming, and a huge financial burden. That’s why representatives from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s Office of Student Assistance and Relief will join the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Division to team up for a free March 23 webinar to help Californians seeking relief.
Organization representatives will provide information and answers on loan-discharge options for Californians who may be eligible for:
- Closed School Loan Discharge—If the school you attend closes while you are enrolled or soon after your withdrawal, you may qualify for federal loan discharge, which removes your obligation to repay your loan under specific circumstances.
- Borrower Defense to Repayment Loan Discharge—If your school misled you or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain laws, you may qualify for a borrower defense to repayment loan discharge. Your application will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Education and, if approved, the department may discharge your federal student loan and may refund loan payments that have already been made.
- Other relief and recovery options, including California’s Student Tuition Recovery Fund which can help students with federal or private loans or who experienced other economic losses after attending a private postsecondary institution.
Register for the 10 a.m. webinar online. For more information as well as additional student resources, visit www.bppe.ca.gov or www.osar.bppe.ca.gov.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is made up of 36 different entities that license and regulate more than three million licensees in more than 280 different license types to protect consumers across the state. From architects to accountants and dentists to nurses, DCA provides consumers with current license status information on professionals in your neighborhood.
DCA’s Consumer Information Center (CIC) answers calls from consumers about license verification, complaints, and more. Phone agents speak in English and Spanish and can connect consumers to help in more than 200 other languages. you know between 20%-30% of calls into CIC pertain to concerns or issues that are not related to DCA? Those calls include questions regarding online music, shopping/dating websites to landlord/tenant issues, despite the calls being non-jurisdictional, every call that comes into the CIC is important, and that’s why CIC representatives will kindly route each caller to the appropriate organization that can best address their needs.
It’s important to remember DCA does NOT have jurisdiction to resolve concerns or questions related to the following:
- Landlord/tenant issues
- Debt-collection issues
- Dating apps or websites
- Gift cards
- Refunds
- Warranties
- Telephone/cell phone or home-internet service complaints
- Travel claims
- Insurance companies
- App-based money transmitters
- Online merchants
- Auto purchases and driver’s license laws and issues
For additional information about DCA and its entities, visit the following links:
- DCA Board/Bureau by Profession
- DCA Consumer Resources
- DCA License Search
- DCA Open Data Portal
- How to file a complaint
- DCA’s contact us page
- DCA’s Consumer Information Center (CIC) page
To speak with a CIC representative, call 800-952-5210.
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is celebrating Women in Construction Week, March 5-11, 2023. As part of this acknowledgement, the California State Senate also passed a resolution on Thursday recognizing women in construction.
According to a recent report in the Washington Post, women make up 14% of construction workers in the United States. As it does each year, CSLB strives to celebrate these 1.1 million women working in the industry and encourages more women to consider a career in construction.
“As women take on more leadership positions in the construction industry, they are showing future generations of female workers the benefits of a construction career,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “Now more than ever women are considering a career in construction, which is something to celebrate!”
CSLB’s Board is currently led by Chair Mary Teichert, who is the CEO of Teichert Construction. CSLB had a first last year with three women in the top positions of the Board – Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.
CSLB has free resources available to help women become licensed contractors. From free, virtual monthly licensing workshops to free licensing exam study guides — available in both English and Spanish — there are many tools available to those interested in learning more about joining the construction industry.
For more information about CSLB, visit CSLB’s website, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About CSLB: CSLB operates under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses and regulates about 285,000 contractors in California.
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Following storms that battered much of California in January and late February, many Californians are finding themselves in need of a contractor.
As we celebrate National Consumer Protection Week, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is warning consumers not to hire just anyone to make repairs because there are some unscrupulous and unlicensed contractors and scammers eager to capitalize on their misfortunes.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and CSLB recommend consumers go online to CSLB’s Find My Licensed Contractor feature to download and/or print a list of qualified licensed contractors. Consumers can check the license number of their contractor using CSLB’s Instant License Check.
Consumers should know in California, a state contractor license is required for any home improvement project valued by more than $500 in labor and/or materials. Those caught contracting without a license can be fined up to $10,000.
The CSLB offers the following tips when hiring a contractor.
- Hire state-licensed contractors. The six-or seven-digit license number should be displayed in all advertisements, including business cards
- Get at least three references from a contractor and review their past work in person if able
- Ensure project expectations are in writing and only sign a contract if the terms are easy to understand
- Confirm the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance for employees
- Avoid paying more that 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less and avoid paying in cash
- Don’t let payments get ahead of the work
- Keep a file of all documents relating to the project, including payments
- Avoid making final payment until satisfied with the job
CSLB offers online resources and coordinates and participates in consumer outreach events across the state. For more information, visit CSLB online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
When it comes to consumer protection efforts at the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), the Division of Investigation (DOI) works every day to protect Californians by enforcing laws, regulations, and professional standards.
DOI began its role in consumer protection when it was created in 1961. Today, DOI is now a team of 200 highly skilled sworn and non-sworn investigators, consultants, and support staff charged with protecting California consumers and are experts in conducting specialized investigations with an emphasis on violations of the Business and Professions Code, laws that govern most DCA professional licenses. DOI investigators, some who are sworn peace officers who perform a full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities, protect consumers by conducting criminal and administrative investigations involving prescription/medical narcotics enforcement, illegal practice of medicine, wrongful death, patient abuse, identity theft, sexual misconduct, unlicensed activity, false advertising, incompetence, fraud, underground, economy, and assault.
“The mission of DOI is to provide law enforcement investigative services, in order to protect California consumers and licensees by effectively and efficiently enforcing laws, regulations, and professional standards,” DOI Chief Kathleen Nicholls said. “Our investigators and support staff take their role of consumer protection very seriously.”
DOI has three units: the Health Quality Investigation Unit (HQIU), Investigation and Enforcement Unit (IEU), and Special Operations Unit (SOU). The HQIU provides investigative services to the Medical Board of California (MBC), the Physician Assistant Board (PAB), the Podiatric Medical Board of California (PMBC), and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (OMBC). The IEU provides investigative services for all the other boards and bureaus within DCA. The SOU is a specialized law enforcement unit within DOI that provides investigative services, training, and program management services for DOI and DCA. SOU conducts internal affairs investigations on behalf of DCA, background investigations of board, bureau, DOI, and DCA staff, investigations pursuant to DCA’s Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, and provides oversight of the Infraction Citation Authority Program and the Criminal Offender Record Information clearance system for positions that require fingerprint clearance. The vast majority of DOI works in the HQIU and IEU.
DOI is headquartered in Sacramento, but has field offices across the state, including the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California.
There are many opportunities to serve California and join the consumer protection mission. To explore working for the Department of Investigation, visit www.calcareers.ca.gov and search for “Division of Investigation”. DOI offers Specialized Training, Specialized Assignments, Compact Work Weeks, Comprehensive Benefits, Education Incentive, Longevity Pay, Peace Officer Safety Retirement, Career Advancement to its employees, and is a great second career for retired law enforcement officials.
Consumers who have a concern or issue are encouraged to file a complaint online by visiting DCA’s consumer complaint page which will guide you to the specific Board or Bureau you wish to file the complaint with.
RESOURCES
Whether you need a reputable auto mechanic, a landscaper, or dentist, the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has you covered and can help ensure you’re working with a licensed professional, right in your neighborhood.
For more than 50 years, DCA has worked to protect and serve California consumers through oversight, enforcement, and licensure of various professionals.
Through the licensing and regulatory entities under its jurisdiction, DCA administers more than 3.4 million licenses and 280 license types including licenses, permits, certificates, and registrations for barbers and cosmetologists, physical therapists, optometrists, and many others.
As part of National Consumer Protection Week 2023, DCA remains committed to raise awareness about its consumer protection mission, and provide resources to help consumers make informed decisions.
Whether you need to check the license status of a professional licensed by a DCA board or bureau, file a complaint, or find information to help make you an empowered consumer, here’s how you can connect with us.
California Board of Accountancy
Mission: To protect consumers by ensuring only qualified licensees practice public accountancy in accordance with established professional standards.
- CONTACT:
2450 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95833-3291
Phone: (916) 263-3680
Website; https://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/
E-mail: https://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/
Acupuncture Board
Mission: To protect the people of California by upholding acupuncture practice standards through the oversight and enforcement of the Acupuncture Licensure Act.
- CONTACT:
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-219
Sacramento, CA 95834
Main Phone: (916) 515-5200
Website: https://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/
Email: www.acupuncture.ca.gov
Arbitration Certification Program
Mission: The Arbitration Certification Program (ACP) certifies and monitors third-party arbitration programs of participating automobile manufacturers to ensure compliance with CA laws and regulations related to new vehicle warranties and manufacturer sponsored arbitration programs.
- CONTACT:
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite N 112
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7350
Website: https://www.dca.ca.gov/acp/
Email: acp@dca.ca.gov
California Architects Board
Mission: The California Architects Board (Board) was created in 1901 by the California Legislature to fulfill the mission of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the regulation of the practice of architecture in California. It is one of numerous entities within the Department of Consumer Affairs responsible for consumer protection and the regulation of licensed professionals. The Board establishes regulations for examination and licensing of the profession of architecture in California, which today numbers over 21,000 licensed architects and approximately 10,000 candidates who are in the process of meeting examination and licensure requirements.
- CONTACT:
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95834-9673
Phone: (916) 574-7220
Fax: (916) 575-7283
Website: https://www.cab.ca.gov/
Email: cab@dca.ca.gov
California State Athletic Commission
Mission: The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) regulates professional and amateur boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts throughout the State by licensing all participants and supervising the events. The Commission is dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of the participants in regulated competitive sporting events, through ethical and professional service. California is the premier model for the safety and fairness of regulated sporting events.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2010
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 263-2195
Fax: (916) 263-2197
Website: https://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/
E-Mail: CSAC@dca.ca.gov
Bureau of Automotive Repair
Mission: The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), protects Californians through effective oversight of the automotive repair industry and administration of vehicle emissions reduction and safety programs.
- CONTACT:
10949 North Mather Boulevard
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
Phone: (800) 952-5210
Website: https://www.bar.ca.gov/
E-Mail: https://www.bar.ca.gov/
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Mission: The primary purpose of any regulatory board is to serve the public by ensuring competent practice within an occupation. Section 7301.1 of the Business and Professions Code states that protection of the public shall be the highest priority of the Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions.
- CONTACT:
PO Box 944226
Sacramento, CA 94244-2260 and
2420 Del Paso Road Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
1-800-952-5210
Website: https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/
Email: barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
Board Of Behavioral Sciences
Mission: Protect and serve Californians by setting, communicating, and enforcing standards for safe and competent mental health practice.
- CONTACT:
1625 N Market Blvd S-200, Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7830
Website: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/
Email: BBS.info@dca.ca.gov
Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Mission: The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau advocates consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education and consistent interpretation and application of the laws governing the death care industry.
- CONTACT:
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S208
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7870
Fax (916) 928-7988
E-Mail: lcfb@dca.ca.gov
Website: https://www.cfb.ca.gov/
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Mission: The Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE) regulates the chiropractic profession in California. We protect Californians from licensed and unlicensed individuals who engage in the fraudulent, negligent, or incompetent practice of chiropractic. The BCE oversees approximately 14,000 licensees and 19 chiropractic schools and colleges located throughout the United States and Canada.
- CONTACT:
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-327
Sacramento, CA 95834
Telephone: (916) 263-5355
Fax: (916) 327-0039
Website: https://www.chiro.ca.gov/
E-Mail: chiro.info@dca.ca.gov
Contractors State License Board
Mission: The Contractors State License Board protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction.
- CONTACT:
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
(800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Website: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
E-mail: cslb@dca.ca.gov
Court Reporters Board of California
Mission: The CRB will play a major role in ensuring that court reporters provide the highest quality professional services and protect the integrity of public records;
- CONTACT:
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (877) 3-ASK-CRB (1-877-327-5272) / (916) 263-3660
Fax: (916) 263-3664
Website: https://www.courtreportersboard.ca.gov/
Email: Courtreportersboard@dca.ca.gov
Dental Board of California
Mission: The Dental Board of California’s mission is to protect and promote the health and safety of consumers of the State of California and be a leader in public protection, promotion of oral health, and access to care.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550
Sacramento, CA 95815
(877) 729-7789 (Toll Free)
(916) 263-2300 (Direct)
Fax: (916) 263-2140
Website: https://www.dbc.ca.gov/
E-mail: DentalBoard@dca.ca.gov
Dental Hygiene Board of California
Mission: The DHBC’s primary mission is to protect the public and meet the oral hygiene needs of all Californians.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-263-1978
Fax: 916-263-2688
Website: https://www.dhbc.ca.gov/
E-mail: www.dhbc.ca.gov.
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Mission: We protect the public’s safety and property by promoting standards for competence and integrity through licensing and regulating the Board’s professions.
- CONTACT:
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95833-2944
Toll Free Number: 1-866-780-5370 (no charge to the calling party)
Phone Number: (916) 999-3600
Website: https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/
E-mail: www.bpelsg.ca.gov/
Bureau of Households Goods and Services
Mission: To be an efficient organization that effectively protects consumers and improves the marketplace through enforcement of the law, providing customer service, and prompt licensing.
- CONTACT:
4244 South Market Court, Suite D
Sacramento, California 95834-1243
Phone: (916) 999-2041
Fax: (916) 921-7279
Website: https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/
E-mail: HomeProducts@dca.ca.gov
Landscape Architects Technical Committee
Mission: The Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) regulates the practice of landscape architecture through the enforcement of the Landscape Architects Practice Act (Act) to protect consumers, and the public health, safety, and welfare while safeguarding the environment.
- CONTACT:
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95834-9673
Phone: (916) 575-7230
Fax: (916) 575-7283
Website: https://www.latc.ca.gov/
Email: latc@dca.ca.gov
Medical Board of California
Mission: The mission of the Medical Board of California is to protect health care consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied health care professionals and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act, and to promote access to quality medical care through the Board’s licensing and regulatory functions.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (800) 633-2322 and (916) 263-2382
Website: https://www.mbc.ca.gov/
Email: webmaster@mbc.ca.gov
California Board Of Naturopathic Medicine
Mission: The Mission of the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine (CBNM) is to protect California health care consumers and expand access to safe and effective primary care by licensing and regulating Naturopathic Doctors through vigorous enforcement of the California Naturopathic Doctors Act.
- CONTACT:
Telephone: (916) 928-4785
Fax: (916) 928-4787
Website: https://www.naturopathic.ca.gov/
Email: naturopathic@dca.ca.gov
California Board Of Occupational Therapy
Mission: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants work with people experiencing different medical conditions or disabilities to develop, improve or restore functional daily living skills.
- CONTACT:
1610 Arden Way, Suite 121
Sacramento, CA 95815
Tel: (916) 263-2294
Website: https://www.bot.ca.gov/
E-mail: www.bot.ca.gov
California State Board Of Optometry
Mission: The California State Board of Optometry protects the health and safety of California consumers through licensing and regulation of the practices of Optometry and Opticianry.
- CONTACT:
2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone (916) 575-7170
Consumer toll-free
(866) 585-2666
Website: https://www.optometry.ca.gov/
E-mail: optometry@dca.ca.gov
Osteopathic Medical Board of California
Mission: To protect consumers and promote the highest professional standards in the practice of osteopathic medicine, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California licenses osteopathic physicians and surgeons. The board investigates consumer complaints and uses its enforcement power to ensure practitioners abide by the provisions of the state Business and Professions Code/Medical Practice Act.
- CONTACT:
1300 National Drive, Suite #150
Phone: (916) 928-8390
Hearing-Impaired Persons: 711, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY)
California Relay Service: (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
Website: https://www.ombc.ca.gov/
E-mail: https://www.ombc.ca.gov
California State Board Of Pharmacy
Mission: The Board of Pharmacy protects and promotes the health and safety of Californians by pursuing the highest quality of pharmacist’s care and the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals through education, communication, licensing, legislation, regulation, and enforcement.
- CONTACT:
2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95833
Telephone:(916) 518-3100
Fax: (916) 574-8618
Website: https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov
E-mail: pharmacy@dca.ca.gov
Physical Therapy Board of California
Mission: To advance and protect the interests of the people of California by the effective administration of the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2600
Sacramento, CA 95815
Telephone: (916) 561-8200
Fax: (916) 263-2560
Hearing-impaired persons: 711, or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY)
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)
Website: https://www.ptbc.ca.gov.
Email: PTA@dca.ca.gov
Physician Assistant Board
Mission: To protect and serve consumers through licensing, education, and objective enforcement of the Physician Assistant laws and regulations.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2250
Sacramento, CA 95815
Telephone: (916) 561-8780
Fax: (916) 263-2671
Website: www.pab.ca.gov
Email: paboard@dca.ca.gov
Podiatric Medical Board of California
Mission: The Podiatric Medical Board of California (PMBC) licenses and regulates Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs). Though functioning semi-independently as other boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), PMBC is part of the Medical Board of California (B&P Code §2460) and it is MBC that officially issues licenses to this small specialty group of about 2,000 independent practitioners upon the “recommendation” of PMBC (B&P §§ 2479, 2486 & 2488).
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Ste. 1300
Sacramento, CA 95815-3831
Telephone: (916) 263-2647
Fax: (916) 263-2651
Website: https://www.pmbc.ca.gov.
Email: pmbc@dca.ca.gov
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
Mission: The Bureau protects students and consumers through the oversight of California’s private postsecondary educational institutions by conducting qualitative reviews of educational programs and operating standards, proactively combating unlicensed activity, impartially resolving student and consumer complaints, and conducting outreach.
- CONTACT:
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
Phone: (916) 574-8900
Toll Free: (888) 370-7589
Website: https://www.bppe.ca.gov/
E-mail: bppe@dca.ca.gov
Bureau For Private Postsecondary Education – Office of Student Assistance and Relief
Mission: Established by Senate Bill 1192, the Office of Student Assistance and Relief (OSAR) was created for the purpose of advancing and promoting the rights of students of private colleges, and assisting students who suffer economic loss due to the unlawful activities or closure of a private college.
- CONTACT:
P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
Phone: (888) 370-7589, option #5
Fax: (916) 263-1897
Website: https://osar.bppe.ca.gov/
Email: osar@dca.ca.gov
Professional Fiduciaries Bureau
Mission: To protect consumers through licensing, consumer education, and enforcement of the Professional Fiduciaries Act and promote and uphold competency and ethical standards across the profession.
- CONTACT:
1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite S-209
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7340
Fax: (916) 574-8645
Website: https://www.fiduciary.ca.gov/
Email: fiduciary@dca.ca.gov
Board of Psychology
Mission: The Board of Psychology protects consumers of psychological services by licensing psychologists, regulating the practice of psychology, and supporting the evolution of the profession.
- CONTACT:
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-215
Sacramento, CA 95834
Telephone: (916) 574-7720
Toll Free: (866) 503-3221
Fax: (916) 574-8672
Website: www.psychology.ca.gov
E-mail: bopmail@dca.ca.gov
Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers
Mission: Safeguard public trust by promoting professionalism in the real estate appraisal industry through licensing, education, and enforcement.
- CONTACT:
3075 Prospect Park Drive, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Phone: (916) 552-9000
Website: https://www.brea.ca.gov/
Email: info@brea.ca.gov
Board of Registered Nursing
Mission: The Board of Registered Nursing protects the health, safety, and well-being of the public through the fair and consistent application of the statutes and regulations governing nursing practice and education in California.
- CONTACT:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924 and PO Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.
Phone: (916) 322-3350
Hearing-Impaired Persons: 711, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY)
California Relay Service: (800) 735-2922 (Voice).
Website: https://www.rn.ca.gov/
E-mail: www.rn.ca.gov
Respiratory Care Board of California
Mission: The mandate of the Respiratory Care Board (RCB) is to protect and serve the consumer by administering and enforcing the Respiratory Care Practice Act and its regulations in the interest of the safe practice of respiratory care.
- CONTACT:
3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Toll Free: (866) 375-0386
Phone: (916) 999-2190
Fax: (916) 263-7311
Website: https://www.rcb.ca.gov/
Email: rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Mission: The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (Bureau or BSIS) licenses and regulates the Alarm, Locksmith, Private Investigator, Private Security Services, and Repossession Industries. The mission of the Bureau is to protect and serve the public and consumers through effective regulatory oversight of the professions within the Bureau’s jurisdiction.
- CONTACT:
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270
Sacramento, California and P.O. Box 989002 West Sacramento, CA. 95798
Phone: (916) 322-4000
Website: https://www.bsis.ca.gov
E-mail: bsis@dca.ca.gov
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
Mission: We protect the people of California by promoting standards and enforcing the laws and regulations that ensure the qualifications and competence of providers of speech-language pathology, audiology and hearing aid dispensing services.
- CONTACT:
1601 Response Road, Suite 260
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 287-7915
Website: www.speechandhearing.ca.gov
Email: speechandhearing@dca.ca.gov
Structural Pest Control Board
Mission: The Structural Pest Control Board’s mission is to protect the general welfare of Californians and the environment by promoting outreach, education, and regulation of the structural pest management profession.
- CONTACT:
2005 Evergreen Street, Ste. 1500
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: Licensing (916) 561-8708
Admin: (916) 561-8700
Enforcement: (916) 561-8708
Fax: (916) 263-2469
Website: https://www.pestboard.ca.gov/
E-mail: pestboard@dca.ca.gov
Veterinary Medical Board
Mission: The Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) has been regulating veterinary medicine in the State of California since 1893. The VMB is a governmental agency whose mission is the protection of California consumers and their animals through the regulation of veterinary medicine. The VMB fulfills its mission by developing, maintaining, and enforcing professional standards including licensing veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), veterinary assistant-controlled substances permit holders (VACSPs) and veterinary premises.
- CONTACT:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Ste. 230
Sacramento, CA 95834-2978
Phone: (916) 515-5220 or Toll Free: (866) 229-0170
Applicants/Licensing Fax: (916) 928-6849
Enforcement Fax: (916) 928-6852
Website: https://www.vmb.ca.gov/
E-mail: vmb@dca.ca.gov
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Mission: The Board serves and protects the public by licensing qualified and competent vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians through ongoing educational oversight, regulation, and enforcement.
- CONTACT:
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
Website: https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/.
Email: bvnpt@dca.ca.gov
The goal of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is to educate the public about their consumer rights, in addition to teaching consumers how to spot scams or fraudulent attempts to deceive them for money.
The week-long campaign by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is part of an ongoing consumer protection effort. The FTC reports that 2.8 million fraud reports were received in 2020, amounting to $5.8 billion in losses for consumers.
Here in California, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) joins FTC’s national movement. DCA is comprised of 36 boards and bureaus which license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types, including doctors, nurses, veterinarians, household moving companies, auto repair shops, dentists, engineers, and many others.
In addition, consumers across the state have various ways to access consumer resources. It doesn’t matter where: Crescent City, San Ysidro, Alturas, Barstow or downtown Sacramento. Consumers can visit DCA’s website or call DCA’s Consumer Information Center (CIC) to check the license of a professional, access information regarding a licensee’s disciplinary history, file a complaint against a licensee, or apply for a license. That’s consumer protection in your neighborhood.
DCA’s website is also where consumers can find Consumer Connection Magazine, and dozens of helpful publications, all completely free.
DCA is proactive in providing warnings about ongoing or current scams that may target licensees. Among common tips licensees should remember is DCA would never cold call asking for any personal information, like social security numbers, date of birth, or credit/debit card numbers.
Anyone looking to contact DCA is encouraged to call 800-952-5210, or to mail correspondence or complaints to the CIC at 1625 N. Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834.
Visit the FTC’s NCPW website for additional information on consumer protection, including consumer events being held online and in-person across the country during NPCW.
La Oficina de Bienes y Servicios para el Hogar (BHGS) del Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor de California está recordando a los consumidores la importancia de contratar servicios de empresas de reparación de electrodomésticos con licencia.
Los consumidores deben desconfiar especialmente de las empresas que trabajan por recomendación que se hacen pasar por servicios de reparación. En ese caso, las empresas que trabajan por recomendación toman clientes potenciales y depósitos de los consumidores, solo para revender la información de contacto a empresas potencialmente sin licencia. La actividad sin licencia es ilegal y a menudo deja a los consumidores con poco o ningún recurso para resolver problemas con una empresa sin licencia.
BHGS protege a los consumidores de California mediante la concesión de licencias y la regulación de las empresas de reparación de electrodomésticos y productos electrónicos, así como de las industrias de muebles para el hogar, aislamiento térmico y mudanzas. Según el jefe de BHGS, Justin Paddock, “BHGS anima a los consumidores a comprobar siempre la licencia antes de entablar relaciones comerciales con una empresa. Dar el paso adicional de comprobar una licencia podría evitar que un consumidor sea estafado y se convierta en víctima de un fraude.”
Aquí se enumeran algunas formas sencillas en las que los consumidores pueden protegerse de las actividades sin licencia:
- Visite el sitio web de la BHGS, https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov, para comprobar que la empresa dispone de la licencia/registro estatal necesario antes de contratarla.
- Verifique las opiniones y las quejas en la internet, en el Better Business Bureau y en las redes sociales.
- Desconfíe de las empresas que exigen depósitos por adelantado, sobre todo de grandes cantidades.
- Tenga cuidado con las empresas que no revelan su procedencia o lo hacen difícil de determinar.
- Obtenga un presupuesto por escrito. Todos los presupuestos deben realizarse por escrito, con un claro entendimiento de los costos y un acuerdo de las dos partes implicadas, aportando documentación con una dirección válida, teléfono y número de licencia impresos en todos los recibos.
- Todas las reparaciones requieren una factura que muestre claramente los costos desglosados de partes y mano de obra y debe contener el número de licencia de la empresa.
Esté atento a estas señales de alarma:
- Un técnico de otra empresa se pone en contacto con usted para pedirle más información tras su solicitud inicial de servicios.
- Se exigen tarifas de depósito demasiado elevadas.
- Facturación poco clara, recibos, órdenes de trabajo para partes y problemas con la mano de obra.
- Las piezas proporcionadas y las piezas viejas extraídas no se identifican ni contabilizan, no se documentan adecuadamente ni se ofrecen al consumidor para que las conserve.
- Se utilizan diferentes nombres de empresa, identidad poco clara, ningún nombre o identificación de o con una empresa registrada con licencia.
Aunque las empresas legítimas pueden utilizar subcontratistas para completar el trabajo, todos deben estar registrados con BHGS.
Los consumidores que tengan dudas sobre una empresa de reparación de electrodomésticos o una actividad no autorizada pueden presentar la queja en línea o con BHGS en https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov para que se investiguen sus inquietudes.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) is reminding consumers about the importance of doing business with licensed appliance repair companies.
Consumers should be particularly wary of referral companies posing as repair services. In that scenario, referral companies take leads and deposits from consumers, only to resell the contact information to potentially unlicensed companies. Unlicensed activity is illegal and often leaves consumers with little or no recourse to resolve problems with an unlicensed company.
BHGS protects California consumers through the licensing and regulation of consumer electronic and appliance repair businesses, as well as the home furnishing, thermal insulation, and household moving industries. According to BHGS Chief Justin Paddock, “BHGS encourages consumers to always check the license before engaging in business with a company. Taking the extra step to check a license could prevent a consumer from getting scammed and becoming a victim of fraud.”
Here are a few simple ways consumers can protect themselves from unlicensed activity:
- Visit BHGS’s website, https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov, to verify the company has the required state License/Registration before you hire.
- Check the reviews and complaints online, with the Better Business Bureau, and social media.
- Beware of companies demanding upfront deposits, especially large amounts.
- Watch out for companies that do not disclose or make it hard to determine where they are from.
- Get an estimate in writing. All estimates must be in writing, with a clear understanding of costs with an agreement by both parties involved, providing documentation with a valid address, phone and license number printed on all receipts.
- All repairs require an invoice that clearly shows itemized costs of parts and labor and must contain the company’s license number.
Watch for these red flags:
- A technician from a different company contacts you for more information following your initial request for services.
- Overly large deposit fees being demanded.
- Unclear invoicing, receipting, workorders for parts and labor breakdowns.
- Parts provided and old parts taken out are not identified and accounted for, properly documented, or offered to the consumer to keep.
- Different company names being used, unclear identity, no name or identification from or with a licensed registered company.
While legitimate companies may use subcontractors to compete the work, all parties must be registered by BHGS.
Consumers with a concern about an appliance repair company, or unlicensed activity can file a complaint with BHGS online at https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov so concerns can be investigated.
The Department of Consumer Affairs Celebrates Black History Month
Even though Black History Month is coming to an end, the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) continues to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans who have helped shape and build the communities we live in today.
Black Americans have shaped California and the nation for centuries – as leaders, scientists, authors, innovators, humanitarians, and as licensees of DCA boards and bureaus.
This year, DCA highlighted Architect Robert Kennard. Kennard was born in Los Angeles and graduated from USC where he earned an architectural degree and later become licensed by the California Board of Architects. He was a role model for young people of color aspiring to become architects and active in numerous community organizations, including both the Los Angeles and California chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 1957, he established Kennard Design Group (KDG) Architecture and Planning, noted as the oldest Black-owned and operated architecture firm in Los Angeles.
Architect Vincent J. Proby was also highlighted for his work. One of his most notable projects is the iconic 44,000-square-foot California African American Museum (CAAM), designed alongside African American architect Jack W. Haywood. Proby was appointed to the California State Board of Architectural Examiners in 1978 (later renamed the California Architects Board) and served on the Board for eight years. He served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He died at the age of 59 in 1987.
Our department reflects on the importance of Black History Month and will continue to honor the history, achievements, and legacies of Black Americans. DCA is a department that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
RESOURCES
Governor Newsom Proclaims Black History Month 2023
Celebrating Black History Month: Architect Robert Kennard
Celebrating Black History Month: Remembering Vincent J. Proby
Remembering Former California Architects Board Member Norma Merrick Sklarek
Honoring Architect Paul Revere Williams