How to Report Bad Business in California

Business is business, but it doesn't have to be unfair.

Reporting bad service from a business is your right as a consumer. Detailing service that was less than honorable helps other consumers avoid being taken advantage of, and helps businesses improve their customer service. To file a report concerning bad business practices in California, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and/or the attorney general's office. The BBB and attorney general investigate consumer issues and help rectify complaints with a solution that is fair to both the consumer and business involved. The BBB will also register the public complaint against the business so other consumers can be made aware of any past issues with that business.

Instructions

File a Complaint With The BBB

1. Go to BBB Online (See References.) and enter in your zip code to access your local BBB office.

2. Select "Enter a Complaint."

3. Answer the questions pertaining to the type of service you are complaining about, the business location (in the U.S. or international), and whether you are an active-duty or retired member of the military. Then press "Next."

4. Search the BBB's database for the company you are entering a complaint about. You can search by entering their telephone number, business name or website address. Pick from the list of results, or select to enter the business information manually if you cannot locate the business from the results page.

5. Verify the nature of the complaint (e.g. employment, discrimination, civil rights violation), then hit "Submit."

6. Enter in information about yourself, including your name, address, phone number and preferred method of contact. Then select "Next."

7. Verify the exact business location of the alleged incident, because some businesses have multiple locations. Then select "Next."

8. Categorize your complaint (e.g. billing issues, advertising issues). Then detail your complaint with up to 4,000 words, the dollar amount disputed (if any), your desired settlement method (refund, replacement, not applicable), and then hit "Submit" to file your report of bad business with the BBB.

File a Complaint With The Attorney General

1. Go to the California attorney general's website. (See References.)

2. Select "Protecting Consumers," and then select the "Consumer Info/Complaints" link.

3. Find the "Consumer Complaint Form Against A Business/Company Form" on the right-hand side of the page, and click on it.

4. Fill in the one-page form with details pertaining to the complaint and your contact information, then submit it. The attorney general's office will send verification for receipt of the complaint within three to five business days. And if requested or necessary, a representative will contact you about the complaint within seven to 10 business days.

References

• BBB
• California Office of the Attorney General