California Consumer Laws

Consumer laws are intended to help protect the buyer and often the business they buy from.

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

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Consumers are involved in a legal transaction each time they purchase something and agree to the terms of the transaction, even if it's just a simple click on the computer.

In California, as in other states, consumer laws and regulations are intended to protect individuals from deceptive trade practices, such as "bait and switch;" pyramid schemes; and telemarketing fraud. Consumer laws also protect people from identity theft, phishing, and other crimes targeting consumers.

California's lemon law, for instance, requires dealers to reimburse any customer whose automobile fails to meet basic quality and safety standards within the first 18 months after the date of purchase. Click on a link below to learn more about the Golden State's consumer laws. 

Learn About California Consumer Laws

  • California Homestead Laws

    Vital information about California's homestead protection law, which allows elderly or disabled persons who are threatened with foreclosure or eviction to remain in their homes.

  • California Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

    An overview of California laws that prohibit deceptive trade practices, such as false advertising or tampering with a car's odometer, with links to resources on related topics.

  • California Antitrust Laws

    General information about California's antitrust laws, which are intended to foster competition, including the statute of limitations for filing a complaint and links to other pertinent information.

  • California Identity Theft Laws

    The basics of how California law handles the crime of identity theft, which involves the use of someone else's personally identifying information to secure credit or purchase goods.

  • California Interest Rate Laws

    Basics of California law with regard to interest rates and usury regulations, including the legal maximum interest rate a creditor may charge and penalties for unlawful interest rates.

  • California Lemon Laws

    The basics of California's lemon law, which protects consumers who purchase a new automobile that fails to conform to reasonably expected standards and requires refund or replacement.

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