Advocates protect consumers against shady business

State consumer advocates were in Colusa recently looking to protect consumers from fraud, malpractice and poor business practices.

Before 1876, when legislation was signed to protect consumers by regulating the state's medical industry, most business operated virtually unchecked.

Today, the California Department of Consumer Affairs includes 40 regulatory entities that issues licenses to more that 100 business and 200 professional categories, said Amrik Chima, outreach coordinator.

Regulated businesses include medicine, cosmetology, auto repair, home improvement and many others.

"The DCA is here to protect and serve California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace," Chima said.

Chima and Erica Cano, both Colusa County natives, gave a presentation to the Colusa County Board of Supervisors last week warning consumers to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals, and from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.

Funded entirely by license fees, Consumer Affairs committees and boards provide information, resources and assistance so consumers can make informed choices.

"We want all Californians to take charge," Chima said. "Knowing how to be smart, safe and be heard in the California marketplace are important life skills. Those who lack these skills are at personal and financial risk."

Chima said "smart consumers" know their rights and responsibilities, are confident and self reliant and make informed and appropriate choices.

Chima said "safe consumers" are vigilant for scam artists and others who would take advantage of them, and are able to protect themselves from dishonest, unqualified or unlicensed business people.

For more information about the Department of Consumer Affairs and its services, visit www.dca.ca.gov.

AT A GLANCE

What: California Department of Consumer Affairs
SERVICES: File a complaint, check a license, sign up for consumer updates, check for product recalls, senior resources.
CONTACT:  Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer
Information Division, 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N112, Sacramento, CA 95834
Contact: www.dca.ca.gov

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.