The Consumer & Environmental Protection Unit of the District Attorney’s Office enforces laws against false advertising, unfair competition and other forms of consumer fraud. We file civil lawsuits on behalf of the People of the State of California to obtain injunctions to stop unlawful practices, restitution for victims and civil penalties to punish and deter wrongdoers. We work with a variety of state and local agencies to investigate and prosecute these cases.
In addition, we receive consumer complaints from the public. The District Attorney’s Office is not authorized by law to represent individual private citizens seeking return of their money or other personal remedies or to provide legal advice. We do, however, review each complaint to determine if it involves a violation of public laws enforceable by the District Attorney. Some complaints may be referred to a police or regulatory agency for further investigation. In other instances, we send a copy of the complaint to the business or other party that is the subject of the complaint and request a response. Once we have all of the information, we determine if the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s Office, or if the consumer should consult with a private attorney, go to small claims court, or use County mediation services.
The District Attorney’s Office also enforces California’s environmental protection laws. These include laws regulating the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste; underground tanks used to store hazardous materials; and air and water pollution. We work with federal, state and local regulatory agencies to investigate these cases. In appropriate cases we criminally prosecute or file civil actions in the name of the People of the State of California for injunctions, civil penalties and cleanup orders.
How to File a Complaint
All consumer and environmental complaints must be submitted in writing to facilitate efficient handling. Copies of advertisements, contracts, receipts, checks, correspondence, photographs and any other relevant documents should be included with the complaint form. If your written complaint requires additional pages, please attach those to the complaint form. A complaint form can be obtained by calling (650) 363-4651. State and spell your name and address on the recording and a complaint form will be mailed to you. You can also fill out the Consumer Complaint Form.
Completed complaint forms should be emailed to smda@smcgov.org, sent by US mail to San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, 400 County Center, 3rd Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 or delivered to our office.
Please be advised that effective September 1, 2023 Prop 65 notices directed to our office may be e-mailed to the following e-mail address: PROP65@smcgov.org