consumer protection

Turn in unneeded medications for safe disposal during DEA drug take-back day Unused prescription drugs can find their way into the wrong hands, which is dangerous and can lead to tragic consequences. They can also damage the environment when improperly disposed of (such as flushing). The federal Drug Enforcement Administration…

  Use extreme care to avoid serious injury or death Gutter cleaning, hanging and removing holiday lights, getting Frisbees off the roof—these, and many other activities we do at home, may require the use of a portable ladder. But while it might be the right tool for the job, the…

A legacy of service to California consumers The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and its 36 licensing entities are proud to protect, educate, and empower 40 million Californians. But did you know DCA and its entities have been doing so for decades, and, in some cases, more than a century?…

Older adults are often deliberate targets of scammers and fraudulent activity because they are more likely to live alone and frequently depend on others to take care of finances and personal matters. Older adults are also less likely to report fraud because they don’t know where to report it and…

National Consumer Protection Week is February 28-March 6 The mission of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is to protect California consumers through numerous avenues including oversight, enforcement, and licensure of professions. We also work hard to educate the public about their rights as consumers and provide resources to…

DCA’s summer 2020 issue of the Consumer Connection magazine is hot off the virtual press with consumer news, ideas, and information! Here’s what’s inside this issue: Get answers to your consumer-protection questions. Meet California State Board of Pharmacy Executive Officer Anne Sodergren. Learn ways to talk to your child about…

  Anyone who has bought or sold a house knows the importance of real estate appraisers. Appraisers are needed for many property transactions. For example, a lender concerned whether the property being sold will serve as sufficient collateral for purchase financing will often engage an appraiser to provide an opinion…

Many people may not realize how important professional fiduciaries are until they need them. Professional fiduciaries are independent third parties who provide critical services to seniors, persons with disabilities, and children. They manage matters for clients that can include daily care, housing, and medical needs. They also offer financial management…

Homeowners hire contractors year-round, but especially during the summer for remodeling, repairs, and landscaping needs. There are several companies open for business even amid the Coronavirus pandemic. After all, air conditioners and heaters can break down, indoor and outdoor pipes can burst, and always of course when you least expect…

April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.  The annual event, which was enacted on April 22, 1970, is celebrated around the world to bring awareness to environmental issues and to provide measures that will help protect our planet. The idea of Earth Day was the brainchild of United…