Consumer Protection Unit


The Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office investigates and prosecutes fraud and unlawful business practices in the marketplace. The Consumer Protection Unit, a section in the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division, is a team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and other professional staff that investigates and evaluates reports of fraudulent and unfair business practices and determines appropriate action. The Consumer Protection Unit prosecutes cases on behalf of the People of the State of California where the interests of the public at large are involved. Our office is prohibited from representing private citizens in individual disputes with other persons or businesses.

Our cases are developed in several ways, including information from law enforcement and regulatory agency investigations, referrals from consumer protection prosecutors in other areas of California, and complaints from the citizens of San Diego through our Consumer Complaint Form process (see below). Our office is committed to supporting the San Diego community and providing a means of reporting individuals and businesses engaged in unlawful business practices. Public protection is our priority. We encourage you to file a complaint if you are aware of a fraudulent or unlawful business practice taking place in San Diego County.


Consumer Complaint Form Process

The following will guide you through the process of submitting a complaint about fraud, false advertising, or unfair business practices.

Our Role

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office mainly prosecutes criminal cases, but we also bring civil enforcement actions when businesses violate California’s unfair competition and consumer protection laws. We do not usually investigate cases ourselves—that’s handled by police or regulatory agencies. Once an investigation is complete, it may be referred to us.

We are only allowed to file criminal charges when:

  • A crime has been fully investigated, and
  • There is strong evidence, including intent, to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt

Our Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division reviews consumer complaints about:

  • Fraudulent transactions
  • False advertising
  • Unfair business practices

What Happens After You Submit a Complaint

Once we receive your complaint with supporting documents:

  • You will receive a confirmation letter.
  • We will review your complaint within 4 to 6 weeks.
  • You will be notified in writing of the outcome.
  • If our office is not the right agency, we will refer you to the correct one and provide their contact info.

Note: We cannot provide legal advice or handle private legal matters.

Before You Submit: Know Your Options

You may want to take private legal action to protect your rights while we review your complaint.
If you need help finding a lawyer, call the Lawyer Referral Service at (619) 231-8585

Complaint Guidelines: The 5 W’s

To help us evaluate your complaint, please provide the following:

  1. What happened
    Explain what happened in detail, in the order it occurred. You can upload a Word or PDF document if needed.
  2. Who was involved
    List the business or person responsible. Tell us why you believe they committed fraud or acted unfairly.
  3. Where it happened
    Provide the full address and city where the incident occurred. Include names, phone numbers, emails, and each person’s role.
  4. When and how you found out
    Tell us how and when you realized something was wrong. Include dates and times of emails, texts, phone calls, or meetings.
  5. How much money you lost
    State the dollar amount, if known, and explain how you calculated it.

Required Documents

We cannot review your complaint unless you include documentation. Please upload copies of:

  • Signed contracts or agreements
  • Emails or text messages
  • Receipts or other payment proof
  • Advertisements or written promises
  • Screenshots, flyers, PowerPoint slides
  • Seminar materials or other relevant items

Follow-Up

If you don’t hear back from us within 6 weeks, you may contact us at (619) 531-4070 to check the status of your complaint.

IMPORTANT: Before You Start

If the person or business you're complaining about is licensed or should be licensed in California, please first file a complaint with their licensing agency.

👉 Visit: California Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Index

Already filed with the licensing agency?
✅ Then do not submit this form yet. Wait until the agency finishes their investigation before contacting us.

Submit Your Complaint

Click Here to Start Complaint Form
(You’ll be prompted to upload your documents and answer questions based on the 5 W’s.)

Note: The District Attorney’s legal staff cannot give legal advice or represent you in private legal matters.