Consumer Protection Resources Overview from LA County Consumer & Business Affairs

Every day, DCBA counselors assist Los Angeles County residents by answering questions on a wide range of consumer issues, educating the public about emerging scams and fraud, and investigating complaints involving consumer fraud, real estate fraud, immigration services fraud, identity theft, and elder financial abuse. When appropriate, cases involving serious offenders may be referred to local law‑enforcement agencies for further review.

To support this work, we’ve assembled a robust collection of resources designed to help protect consumers – both online and through materials shared at community outreach events. The following roundup of links and documents highlights the full scope of DCBA’s efforts to safeguard Los Angeles County residents.

Online Resources:

Scam Alerts

https://dcba.lacounty.gov/scam-alert/

A collection of links to stories highlighting new and important scam information

After the Disaster Toolkit

https://dcba.lacounty.gov/afterthedisastertoolkit/

Resources and information to help LA County residents protect themselves from post-disaster price gouging and disaster related scams

Smarter Seniors
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/smarterseniors/
Collection of information to protect older adults from scams and fraud
Price Gouging
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/pricegouging/
Immigration Services Fraud:
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/immigration-services-fraud/
Immigration Services Fraud (OIA)
https://oia.lacounty.gov/immigration-fraud/
Your Money: Avoiding Fraud
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/avoiding-fraud/
Collection of links with information about how to avoid common kinds of fraud
Foreclosure Rescue Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/foreclosure-rescue-scams/
Scam Alert: Fake Property Tax Bills
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/scam-alerts/fake-property-tax-bills/
Warning about fake property tax bills
Card Skimming Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/card-skimming/
Recognizing skimming devices and protecting yourself from credit card scams
Government Imposter Scams
- LA Wildfire-related government imposter scams: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/government-imposter-scams-in-wake-of-eaton-and-palisade-fires/
- General information about government imposter scams
  https://dcba.lacounty.gov/scam-alerts/beware-of-government-imposter-scams/
Home Improvement Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/consumer-investigative-work-assists-case-against-alleged-home-improvement-loan-scammers/
Back-To-School Shopping Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/avoid-back-to-school-shopping-scams/
Contactor and Home Repair Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/front-page/after-the-disaster-avoid-contractor-and-home-repair-scams/
Holiday Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/top-holiday-scams-to-avoid/
Scam Alert: Phony Calls and Scams Threatening Property Owners https://dcba.lacounty.gov/scam-alerts/phony-calls-and-emails-threatening-property-owners/
Avoiding Charity Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/do-your-research-before-you-donate-online/
Family Emergency Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/front-page/scammers-use-ai-to-enhance-family-emergency-scams/
Impersonation scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other-how-to-spot-impersonation-scams/
Romance scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/news/romance-scams-will-cost-you-dont-get-caught-in-a-bad-romance/
Credit Scams
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/credit-scams/
Fraud Alerts
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/avoiding-fraud/
Detailed tips on opening fraud alerts on credit reports

Identity Theft Basics

https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/identity-theft-basics/

How to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if your identity is stolen

10 Ways to Know If You Are an Identity Theft Victim
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/identity-theft-victims/
How to identify if you are a victim of identity theft and actions.
Filing an Identity Theft Report
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/filing-an-identity-theft-police-report/
How to file an identity theft report with the police
Helpful Identity Theft Resource:
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/more-helpful-id-theft-resources/
Resources for people experiencing identity theft
Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/homeowner-notification-program-2/
Information about a LA County program for homeowners protecting them from real estate fraud